According to the data released by the Japan Ship Exporters' Association (JSEA), Japanese new export ship orders in December 2011 increased 55 percent compared to the previous month of November, to 29 ships totaling 1.2 million gross tons, consisting of one general cargo ship and 28 bulk carriers.
As of the end of 2011, Japanese shipbuilders' order books for export totaled 219 ships, with a total gross tonnage of 8.96 million, falling by 19.6 percent year on year.
Meanwhile, in December Japan delivered 19 ships totaling 899,244 gross tons for export, decreasing from 28 ships totaling 1.5 million gross tons recorded in November. In 2011, Japan delivered 356 ships for export, totaling 16.4 million gross tons, down 6.5 percent compared to 2010.