Local authorities in Liuheng town, Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, pledge to build the town into a world-renowned island of green shipbuilding and repair on Aug 6. [Photo/zj.zjol.com] 

Liuheng town in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, will strive to build itself into a world-renowned island of green shipbuilding and repair, according to a launch ceremony held by local authorities on Aug 6.

The town started a pilot program for green shipbuilding in July, leading to the formulation of a standard system that will be applied at four local shipyards, according to local authorities.

Shipbuilding and repair in the town have seen steady growth in recent years despite the dire global shipping situation. This can be attributed to the fact that the town is home to three of the top 10 shipyards in the world. 

Statistics show that the town repairs around 800 foreign vessels every year, accounting for 20 percent of the market share in China. 

The town has also been strengthening reforms and technological innovation to make its shipbuilding and repair more environmentally friendly, said a local official, adding that they aim to bring their annual foreign ship repair volume to 1,500 within three to five years, which would account for half of the market share in China.