Efforts to reduce vessel emissions in South China’s Pearl River basin
China is focusing on cutting down carbon emissions from vessels in South China while improving shipping access to inland waterways up the Pearl River, according to Cargonews Asia.
As part of an anti-pollution drive and promotion of all-water shipping, a major project is underway to extend waterways and step up efforts to reduce vessel emissions in South China’s Pearl River basin.
The project, that will run until 2030, will pressure ship operators to use standard container vessels and emit less emissions.
A network of shipping lanes will be opened along the Xijiang River, the trunk line of the Pearl River in the upper and middle reaches, along with three other branch routes along the Youjiang River, the Beipan-Hongshui rivers and the Liujiang-Qiangjiang rivers.
When completed it will enable 3,000 dwt vessels to sail for 1,380 km, 1,000 dwt vessels to add more than 1,500 km to their journey and 500 dwt ships, nearly 2,000 km.
The programme was drafted by experts from the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Water Resources, nine other central government departments, and six provincial authorities.
The project calls for the operation of standard size vessels that require less emissions. The new vessels will also require fittings that make more efficient use of shipping locks at the water hubs along the river.
Source: Cargonews Asia
