Global maritime officials and key personnel called for closer international cooperation in the shipping and shipbuilding industries while attending the ongoing Marintec China, the world's largest maritime exhibition.

Running from Tuesday to Friday at Shanghai New International Expo Center, the shipping fair attracted over 2,200 enterprises from 16 countries and regions.

Guests highlighted uncertainties amid the global shipping industry and the need to confront challenges by building stronger partnerships.

"As a maritime nation, we are used to navigating in this geopolitical world, but in recent years, it's becoming increasingly difficult," said Mie J. Jakobsen Deputy CEO and Head of Marine at Danish Export Association.

New ship orders globally are expected to decline this year due to complex regulations, rising geopolitical uncertainties, and broader economic pressures. However, China's shipbuilding sector remains resilient, providing stability to the global industrial chain.

According to data from the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry, in the first half of 2025, China's three core shipbuilding indicators continued to lead the world. The completed volume, new orders, and order backlog accounted for 51.7 percent, 68.3 percent, and 64.9 percent of the world market share, respectively.

"Since last year, we have achieved breakthroughs in several mainstream ship types, and for the first time, surpassed the Republic of Korea to become the world's largest shipbuilding nation, a result of China's decades of steady innovation and expertise in the industry," said Xing Wenhua, chairman of Shanghai Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.

As global uncertainty grows, many leading maritime nations emphasize that cooperation is increasingly important for the stability of the shipping industry.

"China is the world's leading shipbuilding nation, and for Norwegian manufacturers and businesses, it's really important for them to be here in this market and also to develop collaboration, and see how we can work together to find the solution for green transition," said Marianne Sivertsen Naess, Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy.

"I think it's more important than ever. Partnerships are the way forward, that is the path we need to take in general. So, collaboration, cooperation, partnerships, is the key, is fundamental to move forward," said Jakobsen.