On March 30, 2026, the official website of the Ministry of Transport released the Smart Shipping 2030 Action Plan (hereinafter referred to as the “Plan”), 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, aiming to systematically advance the development of smart shipping, accelerate the cultivation of new quality productive forces, and support the building of a transportation powerhouse.

The Plan sets clear goals: by 2027, AI technologies will be deeply integrated into shipping, with over three comprehensive pilot zones, five pilot routes, and more than 100 smart vessels. By 2030, a coordinated development model integrating technology, industry, and governance will be established, positioning China’s smart shipping at the forefront internationally.

The Plan outlines four major initiatives: advancing technology and equipment development, empowering pilot applications, upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing regulatory governance. Priority will be placed on breakthroughs in key technologies such as autonomous navigation, intelligent engine rooms, smart ports and waterways, and maritime support services. China will promote large-scale application of smart shipping in typical scenarios, accelerate the construction of infrastructure for communication and navigation, operational services, and testing and verification, while simultaneously refining the legal and regulatory framework, standards, and data governance systems.

The Plan sets forth clear requirements for the development of a legal and regulatory framework for smart shipping, including institutional arrangements in areas such as vessel registration, manning, navigation management, accident investigation, and cybersecurity. It also emphasizes active participation in the formulation of international rules. The rapid advancement of smart shipping will give rise to new legal issues, and relevant enterprises should proactively address compliance and risk management to strike a balance between technological innovation and legal compliance.