In order to compete with Japanese ship steel plate, Chinese companies have been adopting production equipment from Germany to make good quality steel plate for cheaper price. South Korean steelmakers have been opting to buy from Chinese suppliers because of their more competitive prices as well as the increased quality. In addition to secure stable supply, Hyundai Heavy Industries bought a 20 percent stake in Chinese steelmaker Qinhuangdao Shouqin Metal Materials Co. Their new acquisition as well as a supply contract of 180, 000 tons of steel plate for this year and 2007, will help secure stable shipbuilding plate supplies. (Oct. 17)