NPC deputy: China has world's largest maritime fleet, biggest cluster of world-class ports

China possesses the world's largest fleet and the world's largest cluster of world-class ports, Ni Di, senior captain of China COSCO Shipping Corporation Ltd, said on Monday.

Ni, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, is a veteran who has been engaged in the maritime industry for 28 years and visited over 30 countries and regions around the world.

"China's maritime shipping business is ever more important," said Ni.

He noted that 95% of the country's import and export cargo transportation is handled by maritime shipping, and its international maritime volume accounts for nearly one-third of the global total.

China has established shipping routes with over 100 countries and regions around the world, covering all coastal countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. Taking Chancay Port in Peru as an example, Ni said its operation has enabled two-way transportation between Shanghai and Chancay. The container throughput of Shanghai Port ranked first in the world for the 16th consecutive year in 2025.

Ni added that China also has a large seafarer workforce. Currently, there are over 2 million registered Chinese seafarers, among which 970,000 are seafarers serving on ocean-going vessels. "This professional team is playing a significant role in China's transformation from a major shipping nation to a shipping powerhouse."