Leading market positions of the country in world shipbuilding strengthens its geopolitical security. The national fleet ensures national economic independence. Therefore, attaining competitive advantages by domestic shipbuilding companies at the country level seems important. The article analyzes the role of innovation in the shipbuilding industry in Russia and China. Despite the great success of Chinese shipbuilders, innovative transformations in both countries are rather associated with the modernization of the manufacture facilities. In the future, the leading position will be captured by the country that applies high-tech solutions in constructing civilian vessels and warships.