China handles one-third of global seaborne trade in 2025

China handled about one-third of the world's seaborne trade in 2025, while its Chinese-owned merchant fleet remained the world's largest at 490 million deadweight tons, the Ministry of Transport said.

The figures were released as China marked its 22nd Maritime Day on Saturday, which fell on July 11, under the theme "Digital Intelligence for a Smarter Maritime Future".

China's ports handled 18.3 billion metric tons of cargo and 354 million twenty-foot equivalent units of containers last year, underscoring the shipping sector's role in supporting trade and maintaining stable industrial and supply chains.

Digital and intelligent technologies are reshaping the industry. China has put 60 automated terminals into operation, with facilities at Shanghai and Qingdao ports recording peak single-crane handling rates of more than 60 containers per hour, among the highest in the world.

The country has also made progress in digital maritime infrastructure. Nearly 20,000 kilometers of electronic navigation charts have been released nationwide, while the Yangtze River system has largely established an integrated chart network linking trunk waterways with tributaries.

China has also expanded trials of intelligent vessels. Autonomous container ships, including Zhifei, have completed fully unmanned voyages.

More than 10,000 vessels have benefited from a nationwide ship inspection recognition system, allowing operators to apply for inspections and obtain certificates locally, saving more than 150 million yuan ($22.13 million) in costs.

To mark the day, the Ministry of Transport organized a series of events in Beijing and other parts of the country, including policy releases, technology showcases, maritime forums, skills competitions and public education programs.

Regional activities also highlighted advances in smart shipping, maritime rescue and digital services. Maritime museums and passenger shipping operators launched exhibitions and themed voyages to raise public awareness of maritime culture and ocean development.