- China is making significant strides in green maritime transport, with over 1,000 clean energy vessels now in operation and cutting-edge dual-fuel ships entering service.
- Landmark achievements include the delivery of COSCO SHIPPING Yangpu, China’s first 16,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ship, and the launch of Yuan Hai Kou, a PV-LNG dual-fuel car carrier.
- Automation and smart energy systems are driving port decarbonization, with terminals like Qingdao and Yantian leading global efforts in low-carbon port operations.
Guided by its “dual carbon” goals to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060, China is rapidly building a green, low-carbon, and efficient water transportation system to support its broader green development strategy. At a recent press conference, the Ministry of Transport shared key milestones in transitioning inland water transport toward cleaner energy solutions.
Vice Transport Minister Fu Xuyin revealed that by the end of 2024, China had more than 1,000 vessels powered by clean or new energy sources, including over 600 LNG-powered vessels and 485 battery-electric ships, alongside four methanol-fueled ships and two using hydrogen fuel cells. These milestones highlight China’s commitment to greening its inland fleet, according to CGTN.
Maritime Innovation and Domestic Shipbuilding
A major breakthrough was the delivery of COSCO SHIPPING Yangpu, China’s first domestically built 16,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ship. This 366-meter-long vessel features an 11,000-cubic-meter methanol tank, enabling a one-way voyage from the Far East to the U.S. East Coast without refueling. It is equipped with the nation’s first homegrown methanol dual-fuel main engine, marine boiler, and generator. The system allows seamless switching between fuel types and is capable of reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 120,000 tonnes per year — equivalent to planting 6.7 million trees.
New-Energy Car Carrier Maiden Voyage
Another notable step was the May 15 maiden voyage of Yuan Hai Kou, China’s largest PV and LNG dual-fuel car carrier. Sailing from Nansha in Guangzhou, the vessel is outfitted with advanced low-carbon technology, including a 302.8 kW photovoltaic system that generates 410,000 kWh annually, saving 111 tonnes of fuel and cutting 345.9 tonnes of carbon emissions. It also features a shore power interface for 100% clean berthing operations, reducing CO₂ emissions by 21 tonnes per day.
Advancing Smart, Low-Carbon Ports
The Ministry also highlighted the rapid modernization of Chinese ports, focusing on automation, digitalization, and green energy integration. To date, China has developed 23 automated container terminals and 29 automated dry bulk terminals. Smart technologies like 5G self-driving trucks, AI-powered logistics systems, and remote-controlled yard cranes are being widely adopted.
Qingdao Port in Shandong has emerged as a global leader in port automation and green development. As the first hydrogen-powered 5G smart terminal in Asia, it combines renewable energy systems—including a PV setup generating over 1.7 million kWh annually—to reduce carbon emissions by 1,500 tonnes. The port has also pioneered hydrogen-powered machinery and introduced China’s first hydrogen-powered rail crane. Its advanced energy management systems further reduce carbon emissions by 3.5 kg and sulfur dioxide by 0.11 kg per TEU.
Yantian Port’s Emissions Reduction Leadership
Yantian Port in Shenzhen is leading in shore power adoption, significantly cutting ship emissions during berthing. “In 2016, with the help of the local power supply department, Yantian Port began using six intelligent shore power systems, with the shore power coverage rate for berths exceeding 95 percent.” By 2024, the system had supplied nearly 25 million kWh of electricity to docked vessels, reducing carbon emissions by roughly 19,000 tonnes.
In the Greater Bay Area, ports like Mawan Smart Port and Nansha Port are also integrating AI, 5G, and renewable-powered machinery to boost efficiency and minimize emissions.
Commitment to Global Green Collaboration
“China is deeply advancing structural carbon reduction in the maritime sector, accelerating the application of new energy, and improving pollution control for ports and vessels to build a clean, low-carbon maritime energy system,” said Yang Huaxiong, Director General of the Water Transport Bureau. He emphasized China’s support for international collaboration in establishing green shipping corridors and facilitating a global transition to low-carbon shipping.
Additionally, he noted that China is strongly promoting the integration of new technologies such as AI, big data and blockchain to enhance data connectivity and improve the efficiency, quality and cost-effectiveness of maritime services.
From dual-fuel megaships to smart, green ports, China’s maritime industry is undergoing a transformative shift. By prioritizing clean energy, automation, and international cooperation, the nation is establishing itself as a leader in global green shipping and aligning its vast maritime operations with its ambitious climate goals.
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Source: CGTN