On July 10, the “Purchase Project of Four 67.6-meter LNG Dual-Purpose Vessels” submitted by Zhongjiao Runyang Company (hereinafter referred to as “Zhongjiao Runyang”), a subsidiary of Jining Port and Shipping Group, received a national subsidy of 13.3 million yuan under the “Two New” policy for new energy and clean energy vessels. This marks the first-ever national subsidy for new energy vessels, heralding a new chapter in the green transformation of China’s inland waterway shipping industry.
**First Subsidy Sparks Industry Ripples**
According to information obtained by reporters from the Shandong Logistics and Transportation Association, the four 67.6-meter LNG dual-purpose vessels purchased by Zhongjiao Runyang use LNG (liquefied natural gas) as fuel, offering significant environmental advantages over traditional oil-based propulsion.
Industry estimates indicate that LNG-powered vessels can reduce pollutant emissions by over 90% and cut carbon emissions by 15%, substantially mitigating the environmental impact of inland waterway shipping.
In terms of range, these vessels meet the demands of long-distance inland transportation, ensuring efficient and stable logistics operations. On the innovation front, leveraging the advantages of Jining’s inland ports, Jining Port and Shipping Group has established LNG refueling facilities, creating a closed-loop “ship-port-gas” ecosystem.
The national “Two New” subsidy has alleviated the initial investment burden for enterprises with tangible financial support. Estimates show the subsidy covers 35% of the total project investment, effectively lowering the entry barrier and enabling the realization of projects previously stalled due to cost concerns. From a long-term operational perspective, LNG-powered vessels save 3,000 yuan in fuel costs per 100 kilometers, delivering substantial economic benefits to enterprises.
The “first subsidy” has sent ripples through the industry. The successful purchase of the four LNG dual-purpose vessels demonstrates the technical feasibility, economic viability, and policy-backed operability of new energy vessels, dispelling doubts among many enterprises.
It is reported that once operational, these four LNG dual-purpose vessels will establish a green shipping demonstration route along the Shandong section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, providing a tangible example of green shipping practices for other shipowners and shipping companies.
Promoting new energy vessels can optimize the shipping structure of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, enhance transport efficiency, and further amplify the canal’s role in regional economic connectivity and logistics, fostering coordinated economic development along its route.
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