China\u2019s shipping industry propels shift toward intelligence<\/p>\n
Scenes once only seen in science fiction \u2014 ships plotting routes autonomously, identifying obstacles in real time, and docking at ports with fully automated cranes \u2014 are quickly becoming the new normal in China\u2019s maritime industry.<\/p>\n
Driven by a surge in artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, the world\u2019s largest shipping nation is actively pivoting toward \u201csmart shipping,\u201d which experts say is essential for developing \u201cnew quality productive forces\u201d and securing supply chains.<\/p>\n
\u201cSmart shipping is a water transport system focused on vessel autonomy, supported by digital infrastructure and guaranteed by collaborative operational control,\u201d said Geng Xiongfei, an expert from the country\u2019s Ministry of Transport (MOT). He noted that developing this sector is essential for improving safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.<\/p>\n
The stakes are high. China currently boasts the world\u2019s largest maritime fleet and the world\u2019s largest cluster of ports, handling the highest volume of cargo and containers globally for years in a row.<\/p>\n
Recent months have seen a flurry of activity as new equipment and technologies move from labs to open waters. For instance, last month, the \u201cNing Yuan Dian Kun\u201d \u2014 the world\u2019s largest and China\u2019s first 10,000-tonne-class pure electric intelligent container ship \u2014 launched commercial operations at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. Powered by box-type batteries, the vessel is equipped with all-weather visual perception and intelligent route planning capabilities.<\/p>\n
The shift to electric power is expected to save 580 tonnes of fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 1,400 tonnes annually, marking a major step in green logistics. It not only demonstrates China\u2019s breakthrough in intelligent ship technology but also aligns with the global trend of green shipping.<\/p>\n
Vessel autonomy remains the core focus of this technological revolution. According to Geng, China has seen a succession of intelligent ships hit the water. Some of these vessels have already entered normalized operations, while auxiliary decision-making smart devices are being applied to mainstream bulk carriers, tankers, and container ships.<\/p>\n
However, a \u201csmart ship\u201d needs a \u201csmart port.\u201d China has already built 60 automated container and dry bulk terminals, with automated berths accounting for around 28 percent of those over 10,000 tonnes. Geng noted that China has forged a path of independent innovation in smart port construction, setting global standards for intelligence, dependability, and loading efficiency.<\/p>\n
The synergy between ship and shore was dramatically demonstrated in February at Qingdao Port\u2019s automated terminal in east China\u2019s Shandong Province. The \u201cZhifei,\u201d China\u2019s first coastal intelligent container merchant ship, completed a landmark end-to-end fully unmanned container operation. It achieved fully autonomous navigation, berthing, and mooring, seamlessly coordinating with automated cranes for loading and unloading without human intervention.<\/p>\n
To formalize this momentum, Chinese authorities recently unveiled an action plan to accelerate the deep integration of cutting-edge technologies with the shipping industry.<\/p>\n
Chen Deli, an official from the MOT\u2019s maritime agency, stated that the ministry is expediting pilot projects related to smart shipping.<\/p>\n
\u201cNext, we will coordinate with multiple stakeholders to build a batch of representative pilot ships, routes, and comprehensive pilot zones to promote the commercial application of all elements of smart shipping,\u201d said Chen.<\/p>\n
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