China to accelerate adoption of NEV inland waterway vessels

15 October 2026

The Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and National Energy Administration issued an action plan to accelerate the adoption of new energy inland waterway vessels from 2026 to 2030, focusing primarily on electric and methanol-powered ships.

By 2028, the number of inland new energy vessels is expected to double compared to 2025—reaching over 1,000 electric transport vessels and over 100 methanol-powered ships—and complete a 3,000-kilometer zero-carbon waterway corridor.

By 2030, initial large-scale application of new energy vessels across inland waterways is expected to be achieved.

Electric power is prioritized for short-to-medium distance freight (<300 km and <3,000 deadweight tonnes) and local passenger/sightseeing ships, while methanol power is designated for long-distance, large-tonnage freight.

In terms of infrastructure and support, expansion of charging, battery-swapping, and methanol refueling networks across key waterways (such as the Yangtze River, Xijiang River, and Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal) will be carried out, while strengthening industrial technology, regulatory standards, and financial incentives.

Source: China’s Ministry of Transport