China's Green Shipping Revolution: A Low-Carbon Maritime Future

Edited by: an_lymons vilart

June 2025, China: China is rapidly developing a green, low-carbon water transportation system, supporting its "dual carbon" goals.

Over 1,000 new energy and clean energy vessels are in operation, including 600+ LNG vessels, 485 electric vessels, four methanol-powered ships, and two hydrogen fuel cell ships.

The COSCO SHIPPING Yangpu, a 16,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ship, was delivered on June 20, 2025. This vessel can travel from the Far East to the U.S. East Coast without refueling, reducing CO2 emissions by ~120,000 tonnes annually.

China has built 23 automated container terminals and 29 automated dry bulk terminals. Qingdao Port, a leader in green development, uses a photovoltaic system generating over 1.7 million kWh annually, cutting carbon emissions by 1,500 tonnes.

Yantian Port in Shenzhen utilizes shore power systems, reducing emissions by up to 98%. By 2024, it supplied nearly 25 million kWh of electricity, reducing ship carbon emissions by ~19,000 tonnes.

China is promoting international collaboration and integrating AI, big data, and blockchain to enhance maritime services and establish green shipping corridors.

Sources

  • Hellenic Shipping News

  • COSCO SHIPPING Delivers China’s First Homegrown 16,000 TEU Methanol-Dual Fuel Container Ship

  • The first 16,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ship in China, "COSCO Shipping Yangpu," was named in Yangzhou.

  • China’s First Homegrown 16,000TEU Methanol-Powered Giant 'COSCO SHIPPING Yangpu' Sets Sail with Triple Breakthroughs

  • World Forum in China promotes smart and green port industry

  • Xinhua Silk Road: 2025 Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum highlights ports green, intelligent dev’t

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