Publishing department: Ministry of Transport Column: Policy interpretation date: 2026-10-12 (URL path date)
original: https://www.mot.gov.cn/gongkai/zcjd/202610/t20261012_4225721.html
Recently, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the National Energy Administration issued the "Action Plan for the Promotion and Application of Inland River New Energy Ships (2026-2030)" (hereinafter referred to as the "Action Plan"). In order to facilitate all parties to better understand the relevant content and implement the tasks of the "Action Plan", the interpretation is as follows.
Promoting the development of new energy ships is an important measure to implement the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee and the State Council on peaking carbon neutrality and accelerating the construction of a transportation, manufacturing and energy power. It is conducive to building a new energy system and a comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. The Party Central Committee and the State Council have successively issued the "Opinions on Accelerating the Comprehensive Green Transformation of Economic and Social Development" "2030" Documents such as the Action Plan for Carbon Peaking, the Outline for Building a Strong Transportation Power, the Opinions on Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction at a Higher Level and with Higher Quality, and the Action Plan for Carbon Peaking during the 15th Five-Year Plan propose to promote low-carbon transportation tools and promote the adjustment of shipping energy structure. The 15th Five-Year Plan outline proposes to promote low-carbon substitution of transportation power and build a zero-carbon transportation corridor demonstration section. In order to accelerate the application of new energy ships in the field of inland water transportation, the Ministry of Transport conducted in-depth research and discussions with relevant units and solicited opinions extensively. After thorough research and demonstration, an "Action Plan" was formulated and issued.
The "Action Plan" includes three parts: overall requirements, key tasks, and implementation guarantees.
(1) Overall requirements. The "Action Plan" requires that, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we will thoroughly implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the 20th Plenary Session of the Party, fully, accurately and comprehensively implement the new development concept, accelerate the construction of a new development pattern, with the goal of promoting the adjustment and optimization of my country's industrial structure, energy structure, and transportation structure, adhere to market leadership, policy guidance, scene traction, innovative breakthroughs, and on the basis of the orderly development of LNG-powered ships, Focus on promoting the full-scenario application of inland river electric and methanol-powered ships, full chain support, and high-standard development, stimulating new momentum for green and low-carbon development of inland shipping, cultivating new growth points for consumption in the transportation field, and supporting and improving the modern comprehensive transportation system.
The "Action Plan" clarifies that by 2028, the number of new energy ships on inland rivers will double compared with 2025, and full-scenario demonstration applications will be initially realized. The Yangtze River and Xijiang shipping trunk lines, the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal shipping green channel and the Yangtze River Delta and other ship electrification pioneer areas will be basically built to form a comprehensive zero-carbon waterway transportation channel of 3,000 kilometers. By 2030, an industrial ecology with rich business formats in all scenarios, strong support for the whole chain, and a sound high-standard system will be basically built. Initial realization of large-scale application of new energy ships.
(2) Key tasks. The "Action Plan" proposes to focus on promoting 11 items in three aspects. The first is to accelerate the application of all scenarios, including promoting the multi-scenario classified application of new energy ships, accelerating the promotion and application of methanol-powered ships focusing on the Yangtze River and Xijiang trunk lines, accelerating the multi-scenario application of electric ships in the Yangtze River Delta, Yangtze River trunks and tributaries, and the Pearl River Delta, and creating "two horizontal, one vertical and two network" zero-carbon waterway transportation channels. The second is to strengthen full chain support, It includes 4 items of tasks such as improving ship energy supply security, encouraging innovative business models, strengthening manufacturing industry support, and optimizing operation management. The third is to promote high-standard development, including 3 items of tasks such as improving standards and specifications, improving supervision and management systems, and strengthening key technology research.
(3) Implementation guarantee. The "Action Plan" requires that local transportation authorities should work with relevant departments to promote and strengthen multi-faceted policy support, carry out pilot trials, summarize and promote experience; implement detailed implementation plans in key areas, strengthen organization and implementation, and actively and steadily implement implementation.
Relevant policy documents: Notice from the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and National Energy Administration on the issuance of the "Action Plan for the Promotion and Application of New Energy Ships on Inland Rivers (2026-2030)"