Rising Shipbuilding Orders Demand Smarter Cutting — Why Laser Cutting is Becoming Essential for Modern Shipyards

The shipbuilding industry is riding a strong wave of growth. According to Clarkson Research, global new ship orders surged by more than 30% in 2024, with particular strength in large container ships, LNG carriers, and green vessels. In response, top shipbuilders across China, South Korea, and Japan are aggressively expanding capacity and investing in production line upgrades.

But with booming demand comes significant pressure: tight delivery schedules, increasing structural complexity, high-quality requirements, and green compliance. Traditional cutting methods are struggling to keep pace — and that’s where large-format, high-power laser cutting comes in.

Why Traditional Cutting Methods Can’t Keep Up

For decades, shipyards have relied on oxy-fuel and plasma cutting for thick steel plates. While these methods are mature and relatively low-cost, they fall short in today’s fast-moving and precision-driven market:

For example, when processing rib plates or bulkhead panels, traditional flame cutting often creates excessive heat deformation. This not only compromises downstream welding alignment but also increases grinding and rework time.

Laser cutting, on the other hand, delivers clean, precise cuts with smooth edges — significantly reducing both cycle time and post-processing work.

Application Example: Cutting a Ship Partition Panel

Let’s take a common component in shipbuilding — a steel partition panel:

1. Traditional process

Manual layout and marking

Flame or plasma rough-cutting

Manual bevel preparation

Surface grinding

Welding prep → delays and inaccuracies

2. With laser cutting

Direct NC import from CAD

Automatic bevel + contour cutting in one pass

No additional grinding

Ready-to-weld edges

Accuracy within ±0.2mm → supports robot welding

Result: 60% reduction in prep time, improved welding precision, and lower material waste.

Laser Cutting Powers Smarter Shipyards

Laser cutting is not just a replacement for old tools — it’s a foundation for innovative shipyard transformation.

Today’s leading shipyards are building intelligent steel processing workshops equipped with:

• High-power laser cutting machines (>20kW), suitable for 10-50mm marine steel
• Super large worktables (6000mm x 2500mm or larger), ideal for decks and hull panels
• Bevel cutting heads for Y/V/X cuts, directly integrated into the laser system
• Automated loading/unloading systems that reduce manual handling
• Smart nesting software, optimizing material use and reducing scrap
• MES system integration to connect cutting plans with ERP and production scheduling

In early 2025, several shipyards — including CSSC Jiangnan and DSIC — expanded their laser cutting lines, citing better delivery capability for large-scale LNG vessels and higher precision standards for export orders.

From Welding Prep to Green Compliance

Laser cutting also contributes to the green manufacturing goals of modern shipbuilding:

• Lower energy consumption than oxy-fuel or plasma systems
• Less fume and slag, improving environmental conditions in the workshop
• Reduced material waste thanks to narrow kerf and precise nesting
• Supports lightweight design by enabling more intricate cuts with tighter tolerances

This is particularly important in producing dual-fuel ships and electric-powered vessels, where weight reduction and energy efficiency are key performance indicators.

Recommended Machine: Bodor H-Series for Shipbuilding

Shipbuilding often involves cutting extra-large, thick steel plates for decks, hulls, bulkheads, and structural frames. For such demanding applications, we recommend the Bodor H-Series — our high-performance laser cutting system built for heavy-duty industries.

Model: Bodor H-Series

Cutting Power: Available from 12kW to 60kW

Max. Cutting Thickness:

Carbon Steel: up to 50mm

Stainless Steel: up to 40mm

Max. Sheet Size: Up to 12,000mm × 2,500mm (customizable for shipyard needs)

Key Features:

Super large-format cutting for oversized ship components

Heavy-duty dual-drive structure for stable and fast motion

Bevel-cutting capability for welding-ready edges

Fully enclosed design + fume extraction for safer workshop environments

Supports automated material handling and smart nesting software

With its power, precision, and durability, the Bodor H-Series empowers shipyards to meet today's challenges — faster delivery cycles, tighter tolerances, and greener production.

Want to learn how the H-Series fits your shipyard's needs?

[Talk to our application engineers →]

A Strategic Technology, Not Just a Tool

In today’s competitive shipbuilding market, the pressure to deliver faster, smarter, and greener is real. Large-format laser cutting is no longer a niche tool — it’s a strategic investment in production capacity, quality assurance, and intelligent transformation.

Whether you're processing hull panels, rib frames, or high-precision bulkheads, laser cutting gives you the edge.

Ready to Modernize Your Cutting Line?

Interested in how large-format, high-power laser cutting can optimize your shipyard operations?

[Contact our team] for a tailored solution that fits your production needs.