- China’s waterway cargo and port operations are rapidly shifting toward clean energy, with major hubs like Shanghai adopting green fuel and shore power infrastructure.
- The country has developed 52 automated terminals and nearly full digital navigation coverage along the Yangtze River, supporting efficient, low-emission logistics.
- Leading firms such as China Merchants Group are cutting emissions through vessel upgrades and clean-fuel adoption, with over 70% of new ships powered by LNG or methanol.
- China aligns with IMO’s global decarbonization goals, while national strategies continue to promote low-carbon ports, vessels, and smart maritime technologies.
China is accelerating its push toward a greener shipping industry, with officials highlighting significant strides in sustainability during the 21st Maritime Day celebrations. At the 2025 China Maritime Day Forum in Boao, Vice-Minister of Transport Fu Xuyin emphasized the sector’s progress in low-carbon development and its growing environmental benefits. The event also honored the country’s maritime legacy and the 620th anniversary of navigator Zheng He’s historic voyage.
China’s Shipping Sector Advances Green Transformation
China’s shipping industry continues to advance its green transition with a strong focus on clean energy, digitalization, and infrastructure upgrades. In 2024, waterway cargo volume rose to 9.81 billion metric tons — a 64% increase over the past decade — while waterborne cargo turnover reached 14 trillion ton-kilometers, representing over half of the country’s freight movement, according to the Ministry of Transport.
The shift to clean energy is gaining momentum across ports and vessels. Major ports, including Shanghai, have expanded the use of clean fuel refueling services. Over 60% of trucks operating in international container hubs now run on green energy. Shore power adoption has also surged, with more than 90% of specialized berths at major ports now equipped to supply electricity to docked vessels, reducing emissions significantly.
The 2024 China Shipping Development Report noted a 54% year-on-year increase in shore power use along the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Additionally, China has developed 52 automated terminals and rolled out nearly 10,000 kilometers of digital navigation charts, covering most inland waterways in the Yangtze River Basin.
China’s leadership in maritime trade is underscored by its status as home to the world’s largest merchant fleet and port network. The country currently handles about one-third of global seaborne trade, a milestone highlighted by Transport Minister Liu Wei. Speaking at the forum, International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stressed the critical need for continued progress in decarbonizing the industry.
Net-Zero Shipping with Industry-Wide Green Initiatives
China’s commitment to green shipping was further emphasized during the 2025 Maritime Day celebrations, as international and domestic stakeholders outlined pathways toward net-zero emissions. Speaking via video, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez noted that the revised greenhouse gas strategy adopted in 2023 aims for net-zero emissions around 2050. He highlighted the importance of upcoming measures, including a global framework set to be formalized in October, which will introduce fuel standards and emissions pricing to support the shift to low-carbon fuels.
Leading Chinese shipping enterprises are aligning with these global goals. China Merchants Group, a major state-owned conglomerate, has implemented a comprehensive “4321” roadmap targeting carbon neutrality through low-carbon shipping and port operations. According to General Manager Shi Dai, the company is retiring aging vessels, investing in lighter and larger ships, and upgrading its fleet to boost fuel efficiency.
These efforts have reduced the group’s domestic shipping carbon intensity by 12.4% over the past decade. In the first half of 2025 alone, carbon emissions fell by 126,000 tons. The Eden cruise liner, one of its flagship vessels, now cuts 2,200 tons of emissions annually, and over 70% of the company’s new orders are powered by LNG, methanol, or other clean energy sources.
To mark Maritime Day, events across China are spotlighting innovation in smart navigation, maritime finance, yacht safety, and sustainable shipping. These nationwide forums, exhibitions, and youth-focused programs underscore the country’s efforts to shape a modern, eco-friendly maritime future.
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Source: China Daily
