Top Fabrication Yards in Asia: Why China, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam are Key to Project Success

Asia has established itself as the global leader in heavy manufacturing and complex fabrication, providing the backbone for industries that require large-scale infrastructure, including oil and gas, renewables, LNG, and petrochemicals. With over half of the global manufacturing value-add originating from Asia (McKinsey), the region's capacity for innovation, scalability, and skilled workforce has made it indispensable for high-stakes engineering developments.

Strategically located and constantly evolving, fabrication yards across China, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam offer scale, technical sophistication and proximity to key shipping routes and emerging energy hubs. As the industry leans further into modular construction, floating production, and low-carbon solutions, project developers continue to count on Asia's fabrication hubs to deliver consistent quality, scale, and reliability, often under tight deadlines.

China: Sheer Capacity and Technological Sophistication

China is a key player in global energy fabrication, supported by vast yard capacity, modular construction know-how, and a highly efficient industrial supply chain. Leading yards such as COOEC, COSCO, BOMESC, Raffles, and QMW regularly partner with international developers to deliver topsides, hulls, process modules, and renewable energy structures.

The country's push for innovation is evident in the adoption of green technologies across many fabrication yards, from solar-powered facilities and green steel to smart automation systems. Coastal locations and port access give Chinese yards a logistical advantage for large-scale, multi-module projects destined for global markets.

Major projects in China:

• Bacalhau FPSO - Topside modules and flare booms (Brazil)
• Jazan Refinery - Process modules for Aramco's mega-refinery (Saudi Arabia)
• Dogger Bank Wind Farm - Foundations and substations (UK)
• Uaru FPSO - Structural modules (Guyana)

South Korea: Precision and Scale

South Korea is regarded as a benchmark for technical excellence and industrial scale. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and digital shipyards, major players like Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), Hanwha Ocean (formerly DSME), and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) continue to deliver complex floating production systems and LNG carriers.

HHI's Ulsan yard spans over 7.2 million square metres, with ten dry docks and nine Goliath cranes. Hanwha Ocean in Geoje operates the world's largest dry dock and has delivered more than 200 LNG carriers. Its acquisition of DSME and Singapore-based Dyna-Mac has positioned it for expanded offshore capability. SHI, also in Geoje, remains a global leader in FLNG, having delivered landmark floating production projects.

Major projects in South Korea:

• Cedar FLNG - FLNG unit (Canada)
• Jansz-Io Compression Project - Subsea compression platform (Australia)
• Ruya Batch 1 CPP Package - Central processing platform (Qatar)
• Trion FPU - Semi-submersible floating production unit (Gulf of Mexico)
• LNG Carriers - Fleet of next-gen LNG vessels across major Korean yards

Singapore: Integration, Logistics, and Engineering Hubs

Singapore plays a key role in the final integration, commissioning, and delivery of offshore assets. With strong regulatory support, deepwater port access, and engineering talent, the city-state is preferred for FPSO conversions, module outfitting, and complex fabrication.

Following the merger of Keppel and Sembcorp Marine, Seatrium now leads the way. Their flagship yards in Jurong and Tuas are equipped with heavy-lift cranes, advanced fabrication workshops, and integration infrastructure, often working in tandem with nearby yards in Batam and Malaysia.

Major projects in Singapore:

• Uaru FPSO - Conversion and integration (Guyana)
• Crux Platform - Offshore gas platform (Australia)
• Sparta FPU - Semi-submersible unit (Gulf of Mexico)
• Barossa FPSO - Conversion for (Australia)
• Empire Wind Offshore Substation - Renewable substation (USA)

Thailand: Quality and Modularisation Specialisation

Thailand has built a strong reputation for reliability, local fabrication expertise, and longstanding partnerships with global EPCs. Major yards like CUEL, STP&I, BJC Heavy Industries (BJCHI), and Aibel Engineering deliver everything from pressure vessels and jackets to topsides and complex modules.

Centres in Laem Chabang and Rayong support a steady flow of regional and international projects. Thailand's fabrication yards remain a trusted choice for long-term programmes thanks to their flexible capacity, strong safety standards, and repeat delivery record.

Major projects in Thailand:

• Bacalhau FPSO - Topside modules (Brazil)
• CRISP Refinery - Modular fabrication for downstream plant infrastructure (Singapore)
• Dogger Bank Wind Farm - HVDC modules (UK)
• Pluto LNG - Process and utility modules (Australia)
• Ongoing delivery of wellhead platforms, jackets, and topsides for projects across Southeast Asia

Indonesia: Scalable Workforces, Strategic Access

Indonesia is now firmly on the map as a regional fabrication heavyweight. With large, trainable labour pools and strategic locations near Singapore and Australia, Batam and Karimun islands have become major hubs, led by McDermott, Saipem, and Seatrium.

McDermott's Batam yard delivers over 14 million work hours annually and 60,000 tonnes of fabricated steel. Saipem's Karimun yard covers 1.6 million square metres and specialises in topsides, jackets, and modular units. Seatrium's Batam operations provide complementary integration for offshore structures.

Major projects in Indonesia:

• INPEX Ichthys, LNG, (Australia)
• Qatar Energy, NFE and NFPS Expansion projects, LNG, (Qatar)
• TenneT 2GW Program, HVDC Wind Platforms, (Germany and Netherlands)
• RWE Sofia 1.6GW, HVDC Wind Platforms, (UK North Sea)

Vietnam: Cost-Effective, Emerging Fabrication Base

Thanks to competitive costs, skilled labour, and a growing portfolio of international deliveries, Vietnam is fast becoming a top choice for modular fabrication projects. Leading yards - PTSC M&C, Doosan Vina, and PV Shipyard - are centred around Vung Tau and Quang Ngai, offering full fabrication and offshore commissioning services.

Vietnamese yards now serve domestic energy developments and global infrastructure needs, particularly LNG, offshore wind, and petrochemicals. Their responsiveness and steady quality make them ideal for EPCs that balance cost and delivery assurance.

Major projects in Vietnam:

• Topside modules and CPPs for Block B-O Mon gas field (Vietnam)
• Jackets and WHPs for Al Shaheen (Qatar)
• Fabrication of subsea structures for regional offshore campaigns
• Offshore wind substations for Taiwan and Europe

The importance of China, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam in the fabrication industry lies in their ability to consistently deliver large-scale, highly complex projects across the energy value chain. These countries have invested significantly in new infrastructure, advanced technologies, and skilled labour. They have integrated logistics networks and strong governmental support, enabling them to meet the evolving demands of industries such as offshore wind, LNG, oil & gas, and petrochemicals. Their yards are not only central to regional initiatives, but also key in delivering international projects.

Why Asia's Fabrication Yards Are Indispensable

Asia's fabrication infrastructure has become vital to the success of global energy projects. These yards bring together unique advantages that are difficult to replicate elsewhere:

• Unmatched Scale: Capable of building ultra-large structures such as FLNG hulls, FPSO topsides, and offshore substations.
• Cost Competitiveness: Lower fabrication costs without compromising quality, thanks to efficient supply chains and skilled workforces.
• Proven Delivery Track Record: Trusted by major EPCs and operators worldwide to deliver under tight schedules and technical constraints.
• Strategic Locations: Coastal access and proximity to major shipping routes enable smooth logistics for global deployment.
• Technology & Sustainability: Leading yards continue to invest in digitalisation, green steel, automation, and energy-efficient processes.

These advantages make Asia's mega yards indispensable for energy developers who must navigate increasingly complex, modular, and low-carbon project demands.

How NES Fircroft Supports Fabrication Projects Across Asia

NES Fircroft enables businesses worldwide to tap into Asia's fabrication excellence, even if they operate outside the region. With 20+ offices across Asia and 50 years of energy sector expertise, we simplify workforce mobilisation and compliance for fabrication campaigns.

Our offering goes beyond recruitment. We provide:

• Visa, immigration, and payroll compliance
• Full localisation support including housing, schooling, and relocation services
• Access to skilled fabrication, engineering, and commissioning professionals
• Scalable in-country teams tailored to project timelines and yard requirements
• On-the-ground support, with local offices in China, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Whether you're building jackets in Batam, fitting modules in Geoje, or integrating offshore systems in Singapore, NES Fircroft ensures your people are in place, compliant, and ready to deliver. Contact our experts today and learn more about our Asia fabrication support services.