Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Transport and five other departments have issued opinions on promoting high-quality development of inland waterway transportation, emphasizing the construction of a modern, efficient, green, smart, safe, and resilient inland waterway system to better serve economic and social development [1] Group 1: Development Goals - The focus is on accelerating the green and low-carbon transformation of inland waterway transportation, including the development of new energy and clean energy vessels, the creation of green low-carbon ports, and the construction of beautiful green waterways [1][4] - Inland waterway transportation is a crucial part of China's comprehensive transportation system, with the cargo volume expected to reach 4.95 billion tons in 2024, 2.2 times that of 2012, and the cargo turnover expected to reach 22 trillion ton-kilometers, 2.9 times that of 2012 [1] Group 2: Advantages of Inland Waterway Transportation - Compared to other transportation modes, inland waterway transportation has advantages such as lower energy consumption and pollution, with carbon emissions per unit of cargo being only 1/10 of that of road transport [2] - The cost-effectiveness of waterway transport is highlighted, with the ton-kilometer freight rate being only 1/3 of rail and 1/7 of road transport [1] Group 3: Challenges and Solutions - Despite improvements in vessel equipment levels and the acceleration of green and low-carbon transformation, challenges remain, including high costs for vessel retrofitting, poor shoreline management, and inadequate port pollution control [2][3] - The Ministry of Transport reported that under national policies, 2,500 old vessels were dismantled last year, and a new batch of large, standardized, professional, and clean vessels was built, with over 1,000 new energy inland vessels currently in operation [2] Group 4: Environmental Initiatives - To promote the green and low-carbon transformation of inland waterway transportation, efforts must be made to reduce vessel emissions while also advancing the greening of ports and waterways [4] - The Ministry of Transport emphasizes the need for green renovation and expansion of terminals, the construction of near-zero carbon terminals, and the use of distributed energy sources like wind and solar power [4]

Core Insights - The development of inland waterway transportation in China has significantly improved, with a focus on high-quality growth and sustainability [2][4]. Group 1: Inland Waterway Development - There are currently 23 inland ports capable of handling over 100 million tons, which is 2.3 times the number in 2012 [2]. - The total cargo volume for inland waterways is projected to reach 4.95 billion tons in 2024, a 2.2 times increase from 2012 [2]. - The average tonnage of cargo ships has increased from less than 700 tons in 2012 to 1,790 tons currently [3]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - Over 1,000 new energy inland vessels have been introduced, showcasing a shift towards green and low-carbon transportation [3]. - The application of automated terminals has expanded, with 23 automated container terminals and 29 automated bulk terminals established nationwide [5]. - The electronic navigation chart coverage has exceeded 9,950 kilometers, enhancing operational efficiency [5]. Group 3: Policy Framework - The Ministry of Transport has implemented a "1+1+N" policy framework to promote high-quality development in inland waterway transportation [4]. - Key initiatives include the "Action Plan for the Implementation of Inland Waterway System Connectivity" and the "Opinions on Promoting High-Quality Development of Inland Waterway Transportation" [4]. Group 4: Upcoming Events - The main activities for China's Maritime Day will take place from July 10 to 12, focusing on green maritime development and featuring over 20 events [6][7]. - The theme for this year's Maritime Day is "Green Navigation Towards New Strength," emphasizing sustainable practices in the shipping industry [7].