China's Ministry of Transport and three other government bodies have released an action plan to deeply integrate artificial intelligence into the shipping industry by 2027, including at least three pilot zones and more than 100 smart vessels. The strategy aims to bolster maritime operations and address bottlenecks amid global competition. By 2030, Beijing seeks to fully master key technologies and achieve a globally advanced level.
China is ramping up efforts to deeply integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its shipping industry by 2027, targeting breakthroughs in core technologies to build a smart maritime system as global competition intensifies.
A new action plan by the Ministry of Transport and three other government bodies outlines a roadmap that includes creating at least three comprehensive pilot zones, launching more than five trial routes, developing over 10 replicable smart-shipping use cases, and deploying more than 100 smart vessels by that year.
Chen Deli, deputy director of the Maritime Safety Administration under the Ministry of Transport, called the plan crucial to helping China "seize the initiative in global shipping competition and forge new development advantages," as quoted by state broadcaster China Central Television.
He said the strategy marks a major policy push to drive "comprehensive, deep and systemic transformation" across the industry, adding that smart shipping would be essential to easing bottlenecks.
By 2030, Beijing aims to "fully master key smart shipping technologies and develop a full-spectrum equipment supply capability," positioning the sector at a globally advanced level.
