The total tonnage of merchant vessels afloat at the end of June 1938 actually holding the classification of Lloyd's Register, 31,628,147 tons gross. Including vessels then under construction, the total number classed ana intended {or classification. with Lloyd's Register was 9313 vessels of over 33,000,000. tons—representing practically halt of the. world's shipping.
During the year under review, 319 vessels of 551,186 tons were broken up whilst since then demolition has comriencet upon a further 69 vessels of 161,572 tons, and in addition, 52 vessels, of 138,247 tons are reported as having been sold for breaking up, although actual work thereopyhas not yet been started.
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