In what may be a significant signal of things to come, a number of Chinese shipyards will make their first appearances at the China Cruise Shipping conference and trade show, scheduled to take place in Tianjin, Sept. 23-25.

While Fincantieri, Carnival Corporation and China State Shipbuilding Corporation have signed agreements and formed joint ventures, other yards are now looking to enter the newbuild and drydocking markets.

These facilities include Shanghai Zhaoxiang Construction, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, Tianjin Xingang Shipbuilding Heavy Industry and Guangzhou Shipyard International Company.

Sino Cruise Development will also be at the event, having previously made statements that they plan to build eight cruise ships over the next five years for the domestic Chinese cruise market.