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Further Release of Comparative Advantages in Inland Waterway Shipping
Guangming Daily | Local Language | News | July 3, 2025 | UndeterminedTrade Issues and Numbers
China's inland waterway shipping sector has experienced significant growth, playing a vital role in energy supply and economic circulation. The Yangtze River remains the world's busiest inland waterway for cargo transport, with China's waterway mileage and inland port capacity expanding substantially since 2012. In 2024, cargo volume reached 4.95 billion tons, freight turnover 22 trillion ton-kilometers, reflecting the sector's rapid development.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain, including congestion points and insufficient connectivity at port hubs compared to other transport modes. The Ministry of Transport is implementing a "1+1+N" policy framework to address these issues by enhancing infrastructure connectivity, promoting high-quality development, and advancing intelligent and green shipping practices. Key initiatives focus on optimizing trunk corridors, improving port services, and piloting high-quality development zones, such as in the Yangtze River Delta.
Efforts to boost efficiency and reduce logistics costs include developing inland waterway network cargo transportation platforms for better matching of ships and cargo, and improving integration with other transport modes through port-to-park waterways to address last-mile connectivity. Fleet transport is also encouraged to enhance capacity and lower costs, especially in regions like the Yangtze River Delta.
Technological advancements such as the introduction of the Xin Hongzhuan, the world's first intelligent research and training vessel, exemplify the sector's push toward digitalization and autonomous navigation. Smart waterway construction has progressed, with extensive electronic navigational charts and integrated ship lock management systems enabling seamless river-sea navigation. By the end of 2024, over 1,000 vessels have adopted new power sources and fuels, supporting the green, low-carbon development of inland waterway shipping, which is aligned with China’s strategic goals for sustainable and innovative transport infrastructure.