Beijing - China has unveiled a new action plan to accelerate the deep integration of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) with the shipping industry, aiming to foster new quality productive forces in the sector.

The action 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, outlines the overall requirements, key tasks and support measures for developing smart shipping in China during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), according to the transport ministry.

The plan sets out a two-phase development roadmap, a ministry official said.

By 2027, China aims to achieve deep integration of AI with core shipping elements, make breakthroughs in key technologies, establish more than three comprehensive smart shipping pilot zones, open over five pilot routes, develop more than 10 replicable typical smart shipping scenarios and operate over 100 smart vessels.

By 2030, the country expects to achieve full mastery of core technologies, establish a new model of coordinated development encompassing technology, industry and governance, and reach internationally advanced levels in smart shipping development.

To meet these targets, the action plan systematically deploys 11 crucial tasks across four dimensions: breakthroughs in technology and equipment, empowering application pilots, upgrading infrastructure and enhancing regulatory governance.