China and the UK are jointly building a green shipping corridor, accelerating zero-carbon transition through cooperation.
In December 2025, the China International Maritime Exhibition, hailed as a global barometer for the maritime industry, was held in Shanghai. With a total exhibition area of nearly 110,000 square meters, it attracted over 2,200 exhibitors. The British delegation made a full return after the pandemic, becoming a highlight of the exhibition.
Almost simultaneously, a UK-China Shipping Forum focusing on "Energy Efficiency Technologies to Support the Shipping Industry's Transition to Alternative Fuels" was held in Pudong, Shanghai. The forum was organized by Maritime London and supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade.From the height of summer in London to early winter in Shanghai, dialogue and cooperation between China and the UK in the maritime sector continued to heat up in 2025, with the two countries building an increasingly close community for zero-carbon shipping innovation, encompassing technology, capital, and policy.The UK's ambition in the green maritime sector is clearly demonstrated through continuous policy and financial investment. Its Maritime Decarbonization Strategy sets a clear timetable for industry emission reductions: a 30% reduction by 2030, an 80% reduction by 2040, and net-zero emissions by 2050.The core of the strategy is to include the shipping industry in the UK's carbon emissions trading system and to promote its implementation through five key policies, including fuel regulation.In March of this year, the British government, in conjunction with industry, announced a major investment plan totaling over £1.1 billion, aimed at promoting green shipping upgrades and targeting the status of a "global green shipping hub."Facing the global trend of decarbonization in shipping, China has also demonstrated strong commitment and action. China is actively promoting unified global regulations within the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).In October of this year, the Chinese Ministry of Transport officially released the "International Green Shipping Corridor Cooperation Initiative," proposing seven measures, including jointly promoting the development of green and low-carbon vessels and building near-zero-carbon ports.Domestic ports, represented by Shanghai Port, already possess the capability for ship-to-ship bunkering of liquefied natural gas and methanol, and are actively promoting the construction of green corridors with European ports such as the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.03 Technology ImplementationUnder clear strategic guidance, companies' innovative practices are providing a diverse toolbox of carbon reduction technologies. British green technology company Silverstream Technologies specializes in providing hull air lubrication technology for commercial shipping.The London-based company has established an office in Shanghai, enabling it to better communicate with its Chinese customers and partners. The company plans to significantly expand its Chinese team.Also at the UK-China Shipping Forum, experts from organizations such as Lloyd's Register and ship designers from China State Shipbuilding Corporation engaged in in-depth discussions on the application of energy efficiency technologies.The green transformation of the global maritime industry faces two core challenges: massive capital investment and a severe talent shortage. Industry forecasts predict a shortage of approximately 56,000 management-level seafarers by 2027.To address the funding bottleneck, COSCO Shipping Group, at London International Shipping Week, proposed the joint establishment of a "Green Shipping Energy Special Fund" to support multinational collaborative demonstration projects and overcome energy supply constraints.In terms of talent development, leading companies are adjusting their strategies. For example, Silverstream Technologies is implementing a "recruiting for potential" strategy, placing greater emphasis on the growth potential of talent. The integration of industry and education has become crucial to overcoming this challenge.China and the UK have established a multi-layered and broad-ranging network of cooperation in the maritime sector. In September, COSCO Shipping Group and China Classification Society jointly held a thematic forum at London International Shipping Week 2025, showcasing China's latest practices in green and intelligent shipping.In November, the 2025 China-UK Clean Energy Cooperation Forum was successfully held in Manchester, UK, with approximately 150 representatives from both governments, research institutions, and enterprises participating to discuss new opportunities for cooperation in green and low-carbon development.The previous month, the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the Royal Academy of Engineering jointly held an "Offshore Wind Power Academic Exchange" event in Guangzhou, promoting the exchange of experience between the two countries in key areas of offshore wind power.After the Anglo-Chinese Shipping Forum at the Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai's Pudong district, attendees gathered by the windows, overlooking the bustling ships on the Huangpu River. Not far away, Shanghai Port, now equipped with both liquefied natural gas and methanol bunkering capabilities, quietly awaits the arrival of the next generation of green vessels.In Manchester, the dialogue at the China-UK Clean Energy Cooperation Forum continues; in London, an initiative for a green shipping fund has been proposed. These frequent interactions reveal a clear trend: on the global journey towards zero-carbon shipping, China and the UK are building an increasingly close innovation community, leveraging their unique complementary strengths.
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