China Releases Smart Shipping Action Plan to Integrate AI Across Maritime Sector
China has released a national action plan aimed at accelerating the integration of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), across the country’s shipping industry. The plan sets out a roadmap for developing smart shipping between 2026 and 2030, focusing on technological breakthroughs, pilot deployments, infrastructure upgrades and regulatory improvements. According to an official announcement, the initiative is designed to strengthen productivity, modernise maritime operations and support coordinated development across technology, industry and governance.
The action plan was jointly issued by the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council and the State Administration for Market Regulation. Together, these agencies aim to guide the development of smart shipping during the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030).
Two-phase roadmap for smart shipping development
The strategy outlines a two-stage roadmap designed to gradually expand the use of AI and other advanced technologies in maritime transport.
By 2027, the government aims to achieve deeper integration between AI systems and core shipping operations. Planned milestones include establishing more than three comprehensive smart shipping pilot zones, opening more than five pilot routes and developing over ten replicable smart shipping application scenarios. Authorities also expect more than 100 smart vessels to be in operation during this phase.
By 2030, China aims to achieve full mastery of key technologies supporting smart shipping. The long-term objective is to create a coordinated development model that integrates technological innovation, industrial deployment and regulatory governance while reaching internationally advanced levels in maritime digitalisation.
Key tasks for technology, infrastructure and governance
To support these goals, the action plan identifies 11 priority tasks organised across four core areas: technological and equipment breakthroughs, application pilots, infrastructure upgrades and regulatory governance improvements.
Technology development will focus on strengthening core capabilities for intelligent navigation, autonomous vessel systems and data-driven maritime operations. Pilot programmes will test these technologies in real-world environments, enabling regulators and industry operators to assess performance, safety and operational efficiency before wider deployment.
The infrastructure component emphasises modernising ports, shipping networks and digital systems to support intelligent maritime operations. At the same time, regulatory reforms will aim to ensure governance frameworks keep pace with new technologies and evolving operational models.
Growing role of AI in regional digital transformation
China’s latest plan reflects a broader regional push to integrate artificial intelligence into critical sectors and infrastructure. Similar initiatives are emerging across Asia as governments explore AI’s role in economic development and public-sector innovation. For example, technology-driven economic collaboration between Singapore and China has highlighted joint efforts in emerging digital capabilities.
Across the region, governments are also expanding international cooperation in AI research and deployment. Partnerships such as Vietnam’s global AI partnerships supporting digital transformation illustrate how countries are building ecosystems to support new digital infrastructure and industry applications.
Within China, the smart shipping initiative forms part of a wider strategy to apply advanced technologies to key sectors of the economy. By integrating AI with maritime logistics and governance frameworks, policymakers aim to strengthen efficiency, improve safety and support the long-term modernisation of the country’s transport systems.
