From naval architects to ship builders, and surveyors to insurers, the starting point of a ship’s life involves many of the maritime industry’s greatest specialists. The journey from drawing board to launching can often be a long one, involving large capital outlay and many hours of labour.

But with hundreds of new ships ordered each year, this is an integral part of the shipping chain. New ships replace older ones sent to the ship breakers and keep world trade moving.

Find out the process of ordering a ship from this section, as we explain who does what and why.