The global coronavirus crisis continued to keep world shipbuilding orders at a low level this week. Continued uncertainty about the recession the world is facing because of the lockdowns and curfews imposed to combat coronavirus continue to delay decisions on new investments. But there were some newbuilding orders placed in China and South Korea as shipowners looked for bargains. Orders in China were reported for ships including multi-purpose vessels, bulk carriers and ore carriers. An order for a VLCC tanker was reported in South Korea. Japanese yards have agreed a new joint venture to face the intense competition from Chinese and Korean rivals.