The development of global information, communication technology and advanced manufacturing technology brings challenge and opportunity for the shipbuilding industry. China, as one of the major shipbuilding countries in the world, pays much attention to strengthening its competence in this area. The paper presents a state- of-the-art survey of related key technologies and their research and application in the shipbuilding industry. A ship product data model and STEP standard are developed, and production planning and scheduling in the industry as well as agile manufacturing are described. Finally, a research project China is carrying out is introduced and suggestions to the Chinese shipbuilding industry are proposed.