2024 World Maritime Equipment Conference opens in east China's Fujian

The 2024 World Maritime Equipment Conference opened on Friday in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, showcasing the latest advancements in maritime technology. As a premier event for China's maritime equipment industry, the conference aims to propel the industry toward smarter, greener and more innovative practices, while fostering a global vision of a shared maritime future.

Hosted by the Fujian Provincial People's Government, the conference, themed "Carrying the Dreams of Humanity to New Horizons," includes a keynote and 11 specialized forums on topics such as intelligent maritime transportation and smart fisheries, featuring insights from experts and industry representatives.

Among the high-tech products featured at the event are the 7,500-vehicle LNG dual-fuel ro-ro vessels Minjiangkou and Liaohekou, built by Mawei Shipyard under Fujian Shipping Heavy Industry Co. Ltd. and Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co. Ltd.

These vessels are the largest eco-friendly car carriers in the world, with a maximum capacity of 7,700 vehicles, and operate primarily on LNG with an option for traditional fuel, offering flexibility while significantly cutting emissions. Compared to traditional carriers, these vessels cut energy consumption by 20 percent and reduce carbon emissions by 27 percent, saving over 2,100 tonnes of carbon per Europe-bound trip.

The exhibition itself is divided into distinct areas that spotlight key advancements in maritime technology, including digital and intelligent equipment, marine exploration technology, and sustainable fisheries. The digital and intelligent technology section shows innovations such as digital management systems for ports and smart shipping tools for logistics, reflecting the trend in more efficient, tech-driven maritime operations.

Another prominent section focuses on marine exploration technologies essential for deep-sea and environmental research. This area features equipment for resource surveys, unmanned underwater vehicles, marine sensor networks and oceanographic instruments. Meanwhile, the marine fisheries section emphasizes sustainable practices like deep-sea aquaculture equipment and smart fisheries management tools, all of which contribute to a more sustainable future for the fishing industry.

"Fujian is focused on differentiated development to create high-tech vessels with specialized advantages," said Shi Huicai, chief engineer at Fujian Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology. "This includes achievements like the 7,500-vehicle LNG dual-fuel ro-ro vessel, the first of its kind globally, which has received recognition both nationally and internationally."

In addition to advancements in shipping, China has been developing offshore aquaculture platforms like Haiwei No. 2, the largest mariculture platform in Guangdong, and Mintou No. 1, Fujian's first deep-sea aquaculture and fishing tourism platform. Platforms like Mintou No. 1 integrate aquaculture, tourism and marine research, fostering an interconnected coastal economy, according to Shi.

China's deep-sea aquaculture is still in its early stages, challenged by high investment costs and limited technological integration, according to an October study published in Frontiers in Marine Science. However, it points to factors that could accelerate its development, including high economic returns, superior nutritional quality, vast domestic consumption potential, and successful global practices, such as those in Norway.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Norway. Both countries have underscored their commitment to sustainable ocean development. At this year's World Maritime Equipment Conference, Norway's pavilion features cutting-edge technologies from 15 prominent companies, including DNV, Kongsberg Maritime, Hoegh, Yara and DSD Group.

The event, running until November 18, includes key gatherings like the China Maritime Equipment Expo 2024, showcasing over 7,000 products from 752 companies across over 20 countries and regions. Highlights include unmanned ships, underwater robots and marine lithium battery technologies.