China is stepping up its offshore plant manufacturing presence following the completion of the country's first 3000-metre deepwater pipe laying lifter and the country's sixth generation deepwater drilling platform.
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has indicated that it is trying to establish a more suitable environment for its offshore industry.
However most Chinese manufacturers do not have proprietary rights to technology and generally occupy the low-value section of the market. The ministry says over 90 percent of offshore petroleum-drilling plants rely on imports.
To meet this market, Chinese shipbuilding giants, such as Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding and Dalian Shipbuilding, are increasing investment in offshore plants.
