China released a new proposition emphasizing the importance of moving towards green, smart and open maritime shipping on Friday to mark the countrys 20th National Maritime Day.As the worlds biggest goods trader and second-largest economy, China transports about 95 percent of its import and export cargo by sea, according to the Ministry of Transport.
Its maritime network covers major countries and regions, and it leads in port capacity, fleet size, shipbuilding output and marine market scale.
In 2024, the overall value of Chinas marine economy went beyond 10 trillion yuan (about $1.4 trillion) for the first time.China promotes low-carbon shipping and proposes to accelerate the green improvement of the shipping market by thoroughly advancing the development of green ports, green ships and green shipping paths.
It is necessary to construct a tidy, low-carbon, safe and efficient energy supply system and actively promote making use of clean energy, and reinforce marine eco-friendly protection at the same time, the proposal reads.Chinas recent achievements in green shipping reflect this commitment.Yuan Hai Kou, Chinas largest photovoltaic (PV) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel car provider, completed its maiden voyage to Greece in July.
It produces 410,000 kWh of solar energy each year, cutting 345.9 tonnes of carbon emissions and saving 111 tonnes of fuel.On June 28, the Anhui, the worlds very first pure ammonia-powered vessel, finished its first trip in Hefei.
The journey achieved steady combustion of pure ammonia fuel, almost no carbon dioxide emissions, and reliable control of nitrogen oxides.Earlier in June, China delivered its first domestically constructed 16,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ship, COSCO SHIPPING Yangpu, whose dual-fuel system enables seamless switching in between fuel types depending on particular path needs and helps cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 120,000 tonnes annually –-- equivalent to the carbon sequestration of planting 6.7 million trees.By the end of 2024, China had more than 600 LNG-powered ships, 485 electrical vessels, and several powered by methanol and hydrogen fuels, said the Ministry of Transport.China has also proposed improving independent scientific and technological advancement for breakthroughs in core innovations such as smart shipbuilding and smart shipping systems.
It has required the acceleration of digital change and application of emerging technologies like AI to support the collaborated development of wise ports, waterways, vessels, navigation aids and regulation systems.
China currently has built 23 automated container terminals and 29 automated dry bulk terminals, using 5G-enabled self-governing trucks, clever gates and remote-controlled cranes.The country declared its commitment to openness and international cooperation in maritime governance, motivating international exchange, technological sharing and more powerful security of intellectual property.
The proposition also highlights the importance of maritime culture, talent development and cultivating a spirit of innovation and inclusiveness across the industry.Read more: Chinas green water transportation drive fuels low-carbon advancement