SZ aims to set model in maritime security

Fishing boats at Shenzhen Bay. Wang Haolan

Shenzhen aims to become a national model in maritime security as part of its effort to build itself into a pilot demonstration area of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

The remarks were made by the Shenzhen Maritime Safety Administration, which released 10 measures yesterday at a press conference held by the Shenzhen Municipal Government Information Office at the Civic Center in Futian CBD.

Efforts will be given to streamline administrative procedures for foreign crew members to work on Chinese vessels, simplify check-in procedures for border-crossing yachts, and explore the building of a free port for international yacht tourism. The registration system for international ships will also be improved, according to the administration.

Construction of port infrastructure and the Shenzhen Liquefied Natural Gas Bunkering Center for international vessels will also be accelerated.

State-of-the-art technologies, such as big data, artificial intelligence, blockchain and 5G, will be employed to strengthen maritime supervision and communication systems to provide efficient information and better maritime services.

The city will also facilitate the establishment of the city’s first foreign-funded ship crew training institute in Qianhai to improve Chinese sailors’ international competitiveness, and speed up the building of Shenzhen Ocean University and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Shipping Business School.

Additionally, Shenzhen will actively participate in global maritime governance and continue to enhance international maritime exchanges, according to the news conference.

Amid the pandemic, the city will closely monitor inbound international vessels, with preventative measures in place to ensure safety.

Last year, Shenzhen recorded a traffic flow of 630,000 vessels and 0.025 percent of marine accident occurrence rate.

The administration helped arrange medical aid for 23 sick and injured foreign crew members in 51 cases and reported zero locally transmitted COVID-19 infection cases among crew members.

Sulfur dioxide emissions from vessels using the Shenzhen Port were reduced to 1,700 tons in 2019 from 18,000 tons in 2015, a major contributor to Shenzhen being listed as the sixth-cleanest city among 168 key cities in China last year.

To ensure a safe Spring Festival this year, the administration vowed to enhance supervision to ensure a safe waterborne traffic environment.