Abstract

The aim of this work is to delineate, above all, the structure of the commercial and recreational shipbuilding industry, as well as performance and conduct. The first section addresses the transformation of a commercial shipbuilding industry based on the dominion of a given nation over the world into an internationalized industry, and also describes the process of oligopolization of the Far East shipyards and the difficulties faced by the European yards. The second section presents the oligopolistic competition structure of recreational shipyards, additionally outlining the special characteristics of yards that build mega-yachts. Third section presents an overview of the most important innovations that are arising above all - but not only - in the sphere of high tech ships and boats. We conclude with a brief mention of the different perspectives facing commercial and recreational shipyards and we suggest a possible policy.