交通运输部：内河亿吨大港达23个，打通内河航运堵点

Core Viewpoint - The development of inland waterway transportation in China is crucial for enhancing the comprehensive transportation system, with significant improvements in capacity, cost efficiency, and environmental sustainability expected by 2024 [1][2][3]. Group 1: Infrastructure Development - The construction of high-grade waterways is accelerating, with the total length of class three and above waterways expected to reach 16,000 kilometers by 2024, a 62% increase since 2012 [1]. - The number of major inland ports has increased to 23 by 2024, which is 2.3 times that of 2012, contributing to a cargo volume of 4.95 billion tons, a 2.2 times increase from 2012 [1]. - The average tonnage of cargo ships has risen from less than 700 tons in 2012 to 1,790 tons currently, with the Yangtze River's average cargo ship tonnage reaching 2,207 tons [2]. Group 2: Policy Initiatives - The Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with other government departments, has issued the "Action Plan for Promoting the Connectivity of Inland Waterway Transportation Systems," focusing on addressing bottlenecks and enhancing logistics efficiency [3][4]. - The "Opinions on Promoting High-Quality Development of Inland Waterway Transportation" outlines 23 key tasks aimed at building a modern, efficient, and green inland waterway system by 2030 [4]. Group 3: Economic Impact - The inland waterway transportation system plays a vital role in supporting domestic circulation and reducing overall logistics costs, which is a significant national strategic decision [3]. - The integration of transportation services has improved, with the Yangtze River's sea-river intermodal transport volume reaching 1.56 billion tons, accounting for 40% of the total transport volume on the Yangtze River [2].