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China plans AI-powered smart shipping system by 2027

China is ramping up efforts to deeply integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its shipping industry by 2027, targeting breakthroughs in core technologies to build a…

By Samantha Johnson / March 31, 2026

China is ramping up efforts to deeply integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its shipping industry by 2027, targeting breakthroughs in core technologies to build a smart maritime system as global competition intensifies.

A new action plan by the Ministry of Transport and three other government bodies outlined a road map that includes creating at least three comprehensive pilot zones, launching more than five trial routes, developing over 10 replicable smart-shipping use cases and deploying more than 100 smart vessels by that year.

By 2030, Beijing aims to “fully master key smart shipping technologies and develop a full-spectrum equipment supply capability”, positioning the sector at a globally advanced level.

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The initiative, unveiled on Monday, comes as shipping’s strategic importance is in the spotlight, with geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions driving major economies to secure critical trade routes and strengthen maritime resilience.

Chen Deli, deputy director of the Maritime Safety Administration under the Ministry of Transport, called the plan crucial to helping China “seize the initiative in global shipping competition and forge new development advantages”, as quoted by state broadcaster China Central Television.

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Chen said the strategy marked a major policy push to drive “comprehensive, deep and systemic transformation” across the industry, adding that smart shipping would be essential to easing bottlenecks.

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