Explore Shipyards

Shipyards Around the World: Types, Capabilities, and Dock Systems

Shipyards come in many shapes and sizes. Some are small yards focused on local vessels, while others are large industrial facilities that build or repair ships for global trade. What all shipyards have in common is their ability to support marine operations safely, efficiently, and in line with technical and class requirements.

Types of Shipyards:

• Newbuilding Yards - These yards handle the full process of building a ship, from cutting steel to final delivery. Most of the world’s new vessels are built in Asia, where more than 85% of global shipbuilding takes place.
• Repair and Conversion Yards - Found near major ports and shipping lanes, these facilities specialize in drydocking, steel work, mechanical repairs, and large retrofits like scrubbers or ballast systems. They also handle planned surveys and urgent technical issues.
• Boatyards - These smaller yards are ideal for tugs, pilot boats, fishing vessels, and yachts. They offer quick access, shorter lead times, and flexible support for locally operated fleets.

Some shipyards can take on both repair and newbuild projects, often using different docks or work zones to keep schedules moving.

Dock Types Explained

The type of dock a yard operates plays a big role in what kind of ships it can take - and how quickly work gets done. Here are the most common systems:

• Graving Dry Dock: A permanent concrete or excavated basin. It floods to allow the vessel in, then drains so the ship rests on blocks. These docks are strong, stable, and well-suited for large ships or long projects.
• Floating Dry Dock: A floating steel structure that sinks to let a ship enter, then rises by pumping out water. These docks are widely used and can handle many ship types.
• Slipways / Marine Railways: A ramp system with a cradle that pulls ships out of the water. Common for smaller vessels, slipways allow quick access for hull cleaning, inspections, or routine maintenance.
• Shiplift / Syncrolift Systems: A platform that lifts ships out of the water and transfers them onto land-based work areas. These systems support multiple vessels at once and are used in many modern yards worldwide.

Each dock type has its own strengths, and choosing the right one depends on your vessel’s size, condition, and service needs. On Records Marine, you can easily filter shipyards by dock type, lifting capacity, services, and more - helping you find the best match for your next port call.

Global Shipbuilding Landscape: Who Builds, Repairs, and Refits the World’s Fleet

Asia continues to lead the global shipbuilding industry by a wide margin. China, South Korea, and Japan together account for more than 85 percent of all new vessels delivered each year. China alone has over 1,200 registered shipbuilding companies, with several hundred active in large-scale construction.

In 2024, Asian shipyards built over 900 vessels above 1,000 GT, including container ships, tankers, LNG carriers, and bulk carriers. That figure includes more than 410 container vessels - many of which were delivered by top ship manufacturers such as Hudong-Zhonghua, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Imabari Shipbuilding.

South Korea specializes in high-value tonnage, such as LNG and LPG carriers, while Japan remains a key player in bulk cargo and ferry construction.

The European Union is home to around 150 major shipyards, according to the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). While European yards produce fewer commercial cargo ships than Asia, they lead in naval construction, cruise shipbuilding, research vessels, and advanced retrofits.

Germany, Italy, and France are home to some of the world’s most respected shipyards for defense and passenger vessels. Meanwhile, Scandinavian countries focus on high-efficiency ferries and offshore support vessels.

Europe also has a strong repair and conversion segment, with facilities in Spain, Portugal, Greece, and the Netherlands serving a wide range of international fleets.

Shipyard Services Beyond Newbuilds

Not all shipyards are focused on construction. Many companies operate service-focused facilities - from regional repair docks to full-service yards offering mechanical, structural, and automation support. These yards handle class inspections, overhauls, retrofits, and voyage repairs.

The list of shipyards on Records Marine includes both large construction yards and specialist facilities offering tailored shipyard services to vessels of all types. Whether you manage a small regional operator or a global fleet, our platform can help you locate trusted shipyard companies in key ports and maritime hubs worldwide.

Choosing the Right Shipyard: Services, Locations, and Records Marine Insights

Choosing a shipyard company can have a direct impact on project success. A well-matched facility will have the right dock size, skilled teams, and technical capacity to carry out your work safely and efficiently. Location matters, but so do the services offered, certifications held, and timelines available. Knowing what to look for helps avoid costly delays and ensures the work meets class and operational standards.

When comparing shipyard services, it helps to start with the basics:

• Dock Type and Capacity: Ensure the yard has the appropriate dry dock, floating dock, or shiplift system for your vessel’s size and draft. Some docks may have length or weight limitations.
• Scope of Services: A yard’s range of services should match your planned work - from steel repairs and painting to propulsion alignment, electrical upgrades, or outfitting.
• Experience and Certifications: Look for yards with a proven track record, especially for specialized work like engine overhauls, ballast water system installations, or underwater hull treatment. Approvals from classification societies and OEM service agreements are also worth checking.
• Workforce and Resources: Shipyards with skilled labor, mobile service teams, and in-house workshops are better positioned to manage timelines.
• Turnaround and Availability: Dock schedules can be tight. Consider lead times, crew accommodations, port access, and logistics before locking in your yard.

With advanced filters and region-based search, you can narrow down your options in seconds and connect directly with the right partners. All listings on our platform are regularly updated by our team to ensure the information remains accurate, transparent, and relevant to your operational needs.