World?s Largest Shipyard Being Built in China

The shipyard will be located along Shanghai?s Changxign Island and is expected to begin operations in 2007. Two existing state run shipyards, the Jiangnan and the Hudong, will be relocated into the new super yard.

The super yard is expected to be fully operational by 2015 and will have an annual capacity of 8 million tons. The yard will employ more than 80,000 people and is anticipated to boost the fortunes of China?s steel and engine manufacturing industries.

China is currently the world?s third largest shipbuilder, behind South Korea and Japan. However, the Chinese government?s State Council made it clear earlier in 2003 that it wanted to become the world's largest shipbuilder. The super yard will be capable of turning out high-tech, liquefied natural gas carriers, supertankers, and luxury liners.