In an interview regarding the advancements in the Yangtze River shipping sector, we explored some exciting developments at the Yangtze River Navigation Administration (YRNA) in Wuhan. Recently, within the innovative “Smart Management Cockpit for Yangtze River Shipping,” a staff member demonstrated how easy it is to gather detailed information about vessels navigating the river. With just a click on the touch screen, they accessed comprehensive data about a boat currently in operation, including crew details, cargo specifics, and related company information.
To accelerate the digital transformation of Yangtze River shipping, the YRNA has launched the “131” Smart Yangtze initiative, starting in 2023. This Smart Management Cockpit serves as a critical platform showcasing the overall situation and key operations of the Yangtze River shipping network, from a broad view of the river to specific details about individual vessels and crews.
The rapid growth of Wuhan’s Yangluo Port exemplifies the high-quality development of Yangtze River shipping in recent years. Yangluo Port has emerged as a hub for terrestrial and maritime connections along the “Belt and Road” Initiative. Over the past 11 years, it has supported the development of the Yangtze Economic Belt, significantly boosting the vitality of this “golden waterway.” Container throughput soared from 860,000 TEUs in 2013 to 2.3 million TEUs in 2023, firmly establishing its position as the leading port in the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze. The port now operates 30 container shipping routes and nearly 40 intermodal transport channels, connecting Hubei with the world.
Furthermore, Hubei Province’s commitment to green initiatives is evident, with the total number of new energy vessels reaching 152, contributing to the vision of a “Green Yangtze.” The province is actively enhancing infrastructure to support clean energy vessels. It has facilitated the construction and operation of LNG refueling stations at the Ezhou Sanjiang Port and Yichang Ziqiao Port along the Yangtze mainline, laying the groundwork for the promotion of LNG-powered vessels.
The LNG project in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, located in Zigui County, stands out as the first LNG refueling station in the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Officially operational since April 2023, this major strategic project is part of Hubei’s “Gasifying the Yangtze” initiative. The station, situated 36 kilometers upstream from the Three Gorges Dam, has already seen significant activity, with 169 ship refuelings amounting to 1,322 tons of LNG from January to September 2024. Its successful operation is crucial for promoting energy conservation, emissions reduction, and the development of clean energy vessels along the Yangtze River.
According to recent statistics, the Yangtze River shipping sector continues its steady growth trajectory, with expected cargo throughput at ports along the river reaching 2.92 billion tons from January to September this year, reflecting a 2.8% year-on-year increase. This keeps the region at the forefront of inland waterway shipping globally.
