China released a new proposal emphasizing the importance of moving towards green, smart and open maritime shipping on Friday to mark the country's 20th National Maritime Day.

As the world's largest goods trader and second-largest economy, China transports about 95 percent of its import and export cargo by sea, according to the Ministry of Transport. Its maritime network spans major countries and regions, and it leads in port capacity, fleet size, shipbuilding output and marine industry scale. In 2024, the total value of China's marine economy surpassed 10 trillion yuan (about $1.4 trillion) for the first time.

China promotes low-carbon shipping and proposes to accelerate the green transformation of the shipping industry by comprehensively advancing the development of green ports, green ships and green shipping routes. "It is essential to build a clean, low-carbon, safe and efficient energy supply system and actively promote the use of clean energy, and strengthen marine ecological protection at the same time," the proposal reads.

China's recent achievements in green shipping reflect this commitment.

Yuan Hai Kou, China's largest photovoltaic (PV) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel car carrier, completed its maiden voyage to Greece in July. It generates 410,000 kWh of solar power annually, cutting 345.9 tonnes of carbon emissions and saving 111 tonnes of fuel.

On June 28, the Anhui, the world's first pure ammonia-powered vessel, completed its first voyage in Hefei. The journey achieved stable combustion of pure ammonia fuel, nearly zero carbon dioxide emissions, and effective control of nitrogen oxides.

Earlier in June, China delivered its first domestically built 16,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ship, COSCO SHIPPING Yangpu, whose dual-fuel system enables seamless switching between fuel types depending on specific route needs and helps cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 120,000 tonnes per year – equivalent to the carbon sequestration of planting 6.7 million trees.

By the end of 2024, China had over 600 LNG-powered ships, 485 electric vessels, and several powered by methanol and hydrogen fuels, said the Ministry of Transport.

China has also proposed boosting independent scientific and technological advancement for breakthroughs in core technologies such as smart shipbuilding and intelligent shipping systems. 

It has called for the acceleration of digital transformation and application of emerging technologies like AI to support the coordinated development of smart ports, waterways, vessels, navigation aids and regulation systems. China currently has built 23 automated container terminals and 29 automated dry bulk terminals, using 5G-enabled autonomous trucks, smart gates and remote-controlled cranes.

The country reaffirmed its commitment to openness and international cooperation in maritime governance, encouraging global exchange, technological sharing and stronger protection of intellectual property. The proposal also highlights the importance of maritime culture, talent development and fostering a spirit of innovation and inclusiveness across the industry.

Read more: China's green water transport drive fuels low-carbon development