China sees rapid growth in new-energy, clean-energy vessels
The Ministry of Transport says China is accelerating its shift to greener fuels in inland water transport, with more than 1,000 vessels powered by new energy or clean energy operating nationwide.
The Vice Transport Minister, Fu Xuyin said this at a news conference on Friday, that as of the end of 2024, the country had over 600 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vessels.
Xuyin said the vessels were primarily used for inland cargo transport, adding that 485 battery-powered electric vessels are mostly serving as passenger ferries.
“A smaller number of inland vessels powered by methanol or hydrogen fuel cells are also in use.
“China’s electric vessel industry has developed rapidly in recent years, leading globally in both scale and technological advancement,’’ he said.
According to him, alongside upgrading vessels, China is accelerating efforts to develop green, low-carbon ports.
“This includes expanding and renovating inland port terminals with a focus on sustainability.”
Xuyin said that China is also developing near-zero-carbon inland terminals, encouraging the use of wind and solar power at ports.
He added that it would also promote the use of new energy and clean energy in port machinery and on-site transport vehicles, and prioritising rail and new-energy trucks for bulk cargo handling.
Xinhua/NAN
