Ship investment patterns and performance: A comparative analysis of Greece, South Korea, China, and Japan

• Estimates ship investment performance and behavior of South Korea, Greece, Japan, and China. • Greece makes countercyclical investments while South Korea makes procyclical investments. • Continuous policy efforts will be needed to enhance ship investment. The shipping industry is the cornerstone of global logistics and economic activity, as shipping investments play a critical role in sustaining and enhancing this sector. This study explores ship investment patterns and performance of four major maritime countries—Greece, China, Japan, and South Korea—highlighting the strategic differences and policy frameworks that influence their competitiveness. While Greece, China, and Japan have successfully leveraged ships as investment assets to achieve substantial returns through counter-cyclical investment strategies, South Korea’s approach remains pro-cyclical, resulting in comparatively lower investment performance. This study employs a comparative analysis of the multidimensional performance indicators to examine the operational income and capital gains from both newbuilding and secondhand vessels. This underscores the implication of comprehensive policy support such as tax incentives and eco-friendly initiatives in shaping the elements of successful investment strategies. By identifying policy gaps and strategic inefficiencies in South Korea, this study proposes policy enhancements to revitalize the ship investment sector, aiming to transform it into a high value-added industry capable of sustainable growth. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of global ship investments and offer valuable insights for countries seeking to strengthen their maritime competitiveness through strategic policy interventions.