Core Viewpoint - The ongoing US-China tensions have led to the suspension of shipbuilding orders originally intended for China, creating opportunities for Japanese manufacturers like Imabari Shipbuilding and Sumitomo Heavy Industries to collaborate on new projects [1][5]. Group 1: Collaboration and Orders - Imabari Shipbuilding, with the assistance of Marubeni Corporation, will commission Sumitomo Heavy Industries' subsidiary, Sumitomo Heavy Industries Marine Engineering, to construct the hulls of two large oil tankers for Greek shipowners [1][3]. - The first tanker is expected to be completed in 2027, while the second is projected for completion in 2028 [3]. Group 2: Market Conditions and Strategic Decisions - Sumitomo Heavy Industries had initially planned to cease commercial shipbuilding by 2026, but due to deteriorating market conditions, it will temporarily continue shipbuilding at its Kanagawa shipyard [1][5]. - The shipyard was originally intended to transition to producing offshore wind power equipment, but rising construction costs have made the operating environment for offshore wind power challenging [5]. Group 3: Global Shipbuilding Demand - There is a strong global demand for shipbuilding, driven by the need to replace existing vessels and the recovery of the shipping market post-COVID-19 [5]. - Chinese manufacturers hold 70% of global new orders due to lower construction costs, but increased restrictions from the Trump administration have led shipping companies to reduce orders from Chinese firms [5]. Group 4: Challenges for Japanese Companies - Japanese shipbuilders are facing challenges related to insufficient construction capacity, with outstanding orders equivalent to approximately three years of production [6].