On May 13, 2025, the Ministry of Transport officially announced the newly revised Administration Measures on Shore Power for Ships and Ports (hereinafter referred to as “Measures”), which took effect immediately upon publication. The revisions aim to further reduce atmospheric pollutant emissions from ships during berthing, standardize the construction and application of shore power facilities, and promote the development of green shipping. The key revisions are as follows:

1.Clarified AdministrationResponsibilities

The Ministry of Transport oversees nationwide shore power construction and application, with the Yangtze River Navigation Administration and Pearl River Navigation Administration commissioned to provide coordinated guidance. Local governments are required to formulate and supervise the implementation of construction and renovation plans for port shore power facilities and ship power reception facilities.

2.Refined Shore Power ApplicationRequirements

Ships equipped with power reception facilities (excluding liquid cargo ships) shall apply shore power if berthed at coastal port berths for over 3 hours or at inland port berths for over 2 hours, except in emergencies. Port operators shall prioritize providing shore power services to eligible ships and encourage short-term berthing ships to voluntarily apply shore power.

3.Added Penalty Provisions

Port operators and power supply enterprises that fail to provide shore power as required will face tiered penalties based on the generator power of berthed ships, with fines reaching up to 500,000 yuan. Serious violations include cumulative failures to supply power six times at the same berth within 12 months or unresolved facility malfunctions for over six months. First-time minor violations with timely rectification may be exempt from penalties.

The revised Measures compel ports and ships to adopt shore power facility upgrades and application through mandatory requirements and strict penalties, which are expected to significantly reduce pollution emissions from berthed ships. Additionally, requirements for information disclosure and digitalized management will enhance service transparency and drive standardized industry development.