Shipyard Sector Roundup: Hengli Lands Landmark Greek Orderbook While Asyad Drydock Posts Record Growth

## Shipyard Sector Roundup: Hengli Lands Landmark Greek Orderbook While Asyad Drydock Posts Record Growth The global shipyard sector is showing strong momentum on two fronts this week, with a major Chinese builder cementing ties with Greek shipping capital and an Omani repair yard reaching new performance heights. ### Hengli Heavy Industry Secures Massive 25-Vessel Greek Contract Hengli Heavy Industry has inked a sweeping newbuilding agreement covering 25 vessels, representing a multi-billion dollar commitment from Greek shipowners, according to Seatrade Maritime. The deal, concluded in Athens, underscores the enduring appetite among Greek principals — who collectively control one of the world's largest commercial fleets — for competitively priced, high-capacity Chinese tonnage. The portfolio's diversity signals confidence in Hengli's ability to deliver across multiple vessel segments, a notable achievement for a yard that has been aggressively expanding its international client base. Greece remains one of the most strategically important markets for any shipbuilder seeking global credibility, and securing a 25-ship block order positions Hengli among the top-tier yards competing for premium European owner business. The scale of the contract is also a reflection of broader newbuilding market conditions, where sustained freight earnings in key segments have encouraged owners to commit capital to fleet renewal and expansion despite elevated vessel prices. ### Asyad Drydock Records 10% Growth, Sets New Benchmark In the ship repair segment, Asyad Drydock in Oman has reported a 10% increase in business activity so far in 2026, pushing the yard to a new operational record, Seatrade Maritime reports. The growth has been driven by a significant rise in drydocking volumes, reflecting both the yard's expanding regional reputation and the broader industry trend of owners prioritising vessel maintenance amid tightening regulatory compliance requirements. Strategically located in Duqm, Asyad Drydock serves as a key maintenance hub for vessels transiting between the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Gulf, and East African trade lanes. The yard's performance this year suggests it is successfully capturing a larger share of repair work that might previously have been directed to yards in the UAE, Singapore, or China. The 10% growth figure is particularly noteworthy given that global drydocking capacity has faced pressure from a surge in fleet maintenance activity, as owners rush to comply with evolving IMO emissions regulations and prepare vessels for alternative fuel retrofits. ### Industry Outlook Together, these developments paint a picture of a shipyard sector operating at high intensity on both the newbuilding and repair sides. For maritime professionals, the Hengli-Greece deal reinforces Chinese yards' dominance in large-scale orderbook capture, while Asyad's record growth highlights the rising profile of Middle Eastern maritime infrastructure on the world stage.