China looks to AI to navigate massive overhaul of its waterway transport system
- In a modernisation push, major ports and waterways will become more intelligent by 2027, Ministry of Transport says
- Plan includes drones and unstaffed ships to patrol routes
China has pinned its hopes on digital technologies to modernise its waterway transport system, aiming to boost its competitiveness in shipping by improving efficiency and sustainability.
A plan unveiled by the Ministry of Transport on its website earlier this month targets implementation of smart technologies like 5G, big data and artificial intelligence across all major ports and waterways by 2027.
To make China’s ports more intelligent, the ministry said it would urge container terminals to further automate work flows by expanding use of technologies like autonomous vehicles, driverless container trucks and remote-controlled infrastructure.
The ministry said it would encourage the use of smart technologies in maintenance and shipping operations. For example, drones and unstaffed ships could patrol waterways, while a geographic information system and the Internet of Things could help digitalise docks and channels.
“Compared to roadways and railways, water transport has lower costs, less pollution, less traffic, and better safety,” said Dong Yang, an associate professor at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, who specialises in shipping and logistics.
“That is why China has worked for years to develop it, and using artificial intelligence to improve decision making is one necessary step forward.”
