[Policy Update] China’s MSA Issues Opinions to Accelerate Green and Low-Carbon Transformation of Shipping

📰 News Highlight

On April 16, 2026, the Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) of the Ministry of Transport (MOT) officially released the "Opinions on Promoting the Green and Low-Carbon Transformation and Development of Shipping" (the "Opinions"). This document outlines a comprehensive framework to transition the shipping industry toward sustainability by focusing on policy systems, ship upgrades, industrial synergy, and safety bottom lines.

⚙️ Core Components

1.       Systematic 2030 Strategic Goals: Clear roadmap incl. full clean-energy ship standards, robust carbon MRV system, and 15% cut in international shipping carbon intensity vs. 2025.

2.       Domestic Carbon MRV Standards: Builds tailored shipping MRV system based on existing GHG reporting rules to ensure transparent, accurate data aligned with national carbon goals.

💡 Key Takeaways

1.       From Global Participation to Rule-Setting: China shifting from rule follower to rule shaper; aims to boost IMO influence by 2030 and enable domestic tech to set global green ship standards.

2.       Market-Driven Fleet Modernization: Phasing out old vessels, replacing with new-energy ships (LNG, Methanol, Ammonia, Hydrogen), driving major demand for shipbuilders and engine makers.

3.       Institutionalizing Carbon Compliance: Establishing shipping carbon MRV system as precursor to inclusion in national carbon market.

[Market Update] China Unveils World's First Panoramic Carbon Emission Accounting System

📰 News Highlight

The "Panshi-Yuheng Carbon Accounting Large Model" (v1.0) was officially released in Shanghai. Developed by the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute (SARI) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this represents the world's first panoramic carbon accounting system covering the production side, consumption side, and natural sources.

💡 Key Takeaways

1.       Revolutionizing Global Carbon Traceability: Uses carbon-element flow tracking to map global carbon flows and trade transfers; integrates production and consumption views to create a high-precision “Carbon Holographic Map,” improving on traditional models that miss indirect emissions.

2.       Correcting Cross-Border Bias: Model redistributes emissions responsibility; China’s 2022 emissions −17.7%, US +15.2%, Japan +7.2% under the new framework.

[Carbon Market]

During April 13 – April 17, the total transaction volume of Carbon Emission Allowances (CEA) in Chinese National Carbon Market reached 1,490,500 tons, with a total transaction value of USD 16,350,227.59. The highest price was USD 11.67/ton, and the lowest price was USD 10.08/ton. For bulk agreement transactions, the volume was 1,300,000 tons, with a transaction value of USD 14,145,433.44.