China has a rich history of exploring the seas, and today, it’s riding a new wave of technological innovation to develop a sustainable marine economy. In the first quarter of 2025, the Chinese mainland’s Gross Ocean Product reached an impressive 2.5 trillion yuan ($348.73 billion), marking a 5.7 percent year-on-year growth. This surge highlights the shift from traditional industrial focus to embracing cutting-edge technology and innovation along the coast.
Coastal provinces like Guangdong and Zhejiang are leading the charge with advancements in unmanned marine facilities and equipment. They’re pioneering ocean robotics that blend artificial intelligence, robotics engineering, and deep-sea science. These ocean robots enhance economic efficiency, taking on tasks like underwater pipeline inspections and sample collections that were once challenging for humans. With AI-driven unmanned equipment, previously unreachable parts of the ocean are now within grasp, promising new insights into science, economy, and nature.
Clean energy and innovative mariculture practices are also making waves. Provinces such as Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang have established expansive offshore wind farms, contributing significant amounts of clean energy to the grid. These farms benefit from advancements in offshore wind power technology. Meanwhile, marine ranching is utilizing AI and information technologies to boost the ecological efficiency of fisheries. When these activities converge in the same sea areas, the technological benefits amplify, creating remarkable positive effects.
Maritime logistics, crucial for global trade with over 90 percent of cargo transported via sea, is undergoing a technological transformation. Ports like Ningbo Zhoushan have developed smart container and bulk cargo terminals, leveraging AI and unmanned trucks to enhance operational efficiency. The introduction of hydrogen-powered and electric trucks is reducing emissions along the coastline. Digitalization and containerization are being used to coordinate multimodal transport networks, employing more eco-efficient barges and minimizing wait times at ports, which cuts costs and emissions. The future may even see unmanned ships improving the efficiency and safety of maritime transportation.
Beyond industry and logistics, technology is revitalizing marine tourism, culture, and sports, bringing the ocean closer to everyday life. The internet economy and information networks make it easier than ever for people to discover new marine tourism products. Young people are increasingly drawn to marine sports like paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking, and sailing. This surge in interest is sparking new businesses and supply chains, focusing not just on manufacturing equipment but also on developing new materials and training enthusiasts.
Despite these advancements, much of the ocean remains a mystery. Moving forward, greater efforts are needed to align marine industries with other high-tech sectors like AI, robotics, and new energy to tackle sustainability challenges. International cooperation is essential, as knowledge and technology sharing can enhance the effectiveness of new innovations and encourage more groundbreaking developments. Lastly, cultivating talent is the cornerstone of long-term sustainability. Universities might find it crucial to establish marine-related interdisciplinary programs to equip students with a wide range of knowledge and skills in marine economics.
China’s commitment to a sustainable marine economy showcases how innovation and technology can drive economic growth while preserving the oceans for future generations.
