The global shipbuilding industry is highly concentrated. In 2024, half of global ship production and new orders were committed to one country, China. Once-dominant fleets are now in decline; by 2045, three-fourths of the current European fleet will be recycled. A parallel trend is visible in the ship recycling sector, where Chinese dominance continues to grow, driven by state-backed support for modern, high-capacity recycling facilities.

Can liberal trade survive without liberal fleets? To safeguard and advance the rules-based maritime order and address strategic vulnerabilities, new hubs must be found for global shipbuilding. India is investing substantially in ship design, production, repair, and recycling. Collaborating with like-minded partners is essential to promote a more equitable distribution of shipbuilding capabilities across nations and mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions.

The harbours of the past will be the hubs of the future. Maritime cities are being transformed from trade and logistics points into centres of technology, virtual trade, and digital connectivity. Multimodal transport and digital trade facilitation are rendering them more efficient and creating new jobs in trade services sectors.

The Global South, with its vast coastlines and growing cities, is set to lead this transformation. But creating a network of maritime cities will require collaboration, innovation, and investments supported by progressive policies and shipping advancements to boost competitiveness. The human capital that will support the services sectors of the future has to be identified and developed. Maritime cities must become the source of growth and dynamism for their hinterland.

A sustainable blue economy must place the welfare of coastal communities at its heart. Engaging and empowering coastal citizens at every step of the development process is fundamental for its political sustainability and economic resilience. Looking to the past is equally important for shaping the future. Traditional maritime practices and cultural knowledge offer powerful lessons for building adaptive, community-driven solutions.

Community-led initiatives in coral restoration and fisheries management are central to conserving marine biodiversity. As the blue economy grows, we must also invest in local leadership and connect coastal communities to each other. Global partnerships – such as those focused on developing maritime museums – can also help preserve maritime heritage, foster community pride, and promote sustainable practices through local stewardship.

To foster a vibrant blue planet, coastal cities must evolve into innovation hubs. As shipping flows expand, so too will investments in technology, startups, and solutions that support this growth.

New corridors and trade routes will flourish only if coastal cities modernise their infrastructure and streamline supply-chain processes. This requires the integration of smart ports, automated shipping systems, blockchain technology and real-time data analytics. Green technologies and infrastructure investments are imperative to reducing the industry's carbon footprint. By prioritising innovation and strategic investment in the blue economy, the shipping sector can not only lead the transition to sustainable global trade but also enhance its resilience to future challenges.