China is steering towards a sustainable future by revolutionizing its maritime industry with green and low-carbon technologies. Guided by its goals to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, the nation is building a greener and more efficient water transportation system.
At a recent press conference, the Ministry of Transport highlighted significant strides in adopting cleaner fuels for inland water transport. The country now boasts over 1,000 vessels powered by new and clean energy sources. Vice Transport Minister Fu Xuyin announced that, by the end of 2024, there were more than 600 liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels and 485 battery-powered electric vessels in operation, alongside ships powered by methanol and hydrogen fuel cells.
One landmark achievement is the delivery of COSCO SHIPPING Yangpu, China’s first domestically built 16,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) methanol dual-fuel container ship. This 366-meter-long vessel can travel from the Far East to the U.S. East Coast without refueling, thanks to its massive methanol storage tank. Equipped with the first homegrown methanol dual-fuel engine, it can switch seamlessly between fuel types, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 120,000 tonnes annually—the equivalent of planting 6.7 million trees.
Another green marvel is the Yuan Hai Kou, China’s largest photovoltaic (PV) and LNG dual-fuel car carrier. Setting sail from Nansha in Guangzhou Province, this vessel integrates advanced technologies like a 302.8 kW PV system that generates 410,000 kWh annually. This innovation saves 111 tonnes of fuel and cuts carbon emissions by 345.9 tonnes each year. It also uses 100% shore power while docked, reducing daily carbon dioxide emissions by about 21 tonnes.
Green and Smart Ports Leading the Way
China’s commitment to sustainability extends to its ports, which are rapidly adopting automation and intelligent systems. The nation has built 23 automated container terminals and 29 automated dry bulk terminals, utilizing technologies like 5G autonomous trucks, remote-controlled cranes, and smart gate systems.
Qingdao Port in Shandong Province stands out as a global leader in this arena. It’s Asia’s first hydrogen-powered 5G smart terminal, integrating renewable energy sources like PV systems that generate over 1.7 million kWh annually and cut carbon emissions by 1,500 tonnes. The port uses hydrogen-powered machinery, including China’s first hydrogen-powered rail crane, optimizing energy use and significantly reducing emissions.
In Shenzhen’s Yantian Port, shore power systems have reduced emissions by up to 98%. Since 2016, the port’s shore power interfaces have supplied nearly 25 million kWh of electricity to ships, cutting carbon emissions by approximately 19,000 tonnes.
Across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, ports like Mawan Smart Port and Nansha Port are incorporating AI, 5G, and new energy-powered machinery to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
A Global Commitment to Clean Seas
Yang Huaxiong, director general of the Water Transport Bureau, emphasized China’s dedication to building a clean and low-carbon maritime energy system. The country is accelerating the use of new energy sources and improving pollution controls for ports and vessels.
China is also encouraging international collaboration to establish green shipping corridors, promoting a worldwide transition to low-carbon shipping. By integrating technologies like AI, big data, and blockchain, China aims to enhance data connectivity and improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of maritime services.
As the world’s largest trading nation, China’s push towards green maritime transport is not only vital for its own sustainable development but also sets a powerful example for global efforts to combat climate change.
