South Korean shipbuilders, led by industry leader Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., have secured the largest amount of new orders in the first six months of the year to retain the top slot, while the global shipbuilding industry saw new orders halve, industry data showed Friday.
  

According to the data compiled by global researcher Clarkson Research Services, South Korean shipyards clinched new orders totaling 5.92 million compensated gross tons during the January-June period, compared with 6.16 million CGTs tallied a year ago.
  

New shipbuilding orders around the globe, however, halved on-year to 13.28 million CGTs from 26.99 million CGTs over the cited period, the data showed.
  

Japanese rivals relegated Chinese rivals to the second spot as they received orders worth 2.68 million CGTs through June. Chinese shipyards secured new orders worth 2.56 million CGTs.
  

It is the first time in 10 years for Japan to overtake China in half-year new orders.
  

As of end-June, China maintained its top position in terms of order backlog totaling 40.96 million CGTs, followed by South Korea with 32.8 million CGTs and Japan with 19.69 million CGTs, according to the data. (Yonhap)