China's Ministry of Transport, together with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the National Energy Administration, released the Action Plan for the Promotion and Application of New Energy Inland Waterway Vessels (2026–2030) on 29 September 2026, outlining targets to accelerate the adoption of electric and methanol-powered vessels across the country's inland waterways.

Under the plan, China aims to double its fleet of new energy inland vessels by 2028 compared with 2025 levels, with more than 1,000 electric cargo and passenger vessels and over 100 methanol-powered vessels in operation.

The plan also targets the development of 3,000 km of zero-carbon waterway transport corridors by 2028, covering key routes along the Yangtze River, Xijiang River, Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Yangtze River Delta.

Electric vessels will be prioritised for passenger and cargo transport over distances of up to 300 km and with capacities below 3,000 dwt, while methanol-powered vessels will be promoted for longer-distance, larger-tonnage cargo transport.

The government also plans to establish methanol bunkering services along the entire main stem of the Yangtze River and develop a network of vessel charging and battery-swapping facilities in the Yangtze River Delta.

By 2030, China aims to achieve the initial large-scale deployment of new energy inland vessels, supported by improved infrastructure, technical standards and industrial capabilities.