CPPCC member outlines priorities for strengthening maritime transport capacity

China is stepping up efforts to expand shipping capacity and advance smart and green maritime transport, a national political advisor said on Wednesday in Beijing.

Li Ying, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks at a group interview ahead of the opening of the fourth session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee.

Noting that more than 80 percent of global goods are transported by sea, Li, a professor of Navigation College of Dalian Maritime University, said that transportation, especially maritime transport, must be strengthened to support economic growth and national development.

She outlined three priorities for the industry: larger scale, smarter systems, and greener development.

"On a broader scale, China boasts the world's largest maritime fleet. The completion of its first home-grown large cruise ship, the Adora Magic City, marked the fact that our shipbuilding industry has so far been successful in making three key types of vessels, namely, aircraft carriers, large liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, and large cruise ships," said Li.

"In terms of advancing smart maritime transport, China is making more efforts to promote the intelligent upgrade of maritime safety systems. With sensing devices and collaborative management systems, ships are sort of equipped with 'eyes' and 'brains'," she said.

She added that the intelligent transformation enables ship crews to have a view of the sea and weather conditions for their passage ahead, detect any vessel that could obstruct their way, optimize routes and calculate arrival times. They can also operate in close collaboration with shore teams with smart systems.

"From a greener perspective, China is accelerating the development of green ports and green ships. Eight near-zero carbon ports, including Tianjin Port and Qingdao Port, are operating on a trial basis. Terminals that previously relied on crude oil are now powered by green electricity. New orders for green vessels have also reached a 70-percent share of the international market," said Li.

Noting that a methanol dual-fuel intelligent very large crude carrier (VLCC) has also been put into use, and constructions are underway for ammonia-fueled vessels and all-electric ships, she expects China's shipping industry to forge ahead with de-carbonization efforts.

The fourth session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee opened on Wednesday and is scheduled to run through March 11.

CPPCC member outlines priorities for strengthening maritime transport capacity

The usually bustling streets in the travel hub of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remain quiet while the city's airport -- normally one of the busiest in the world -- is practically deserted following Iranian missile attacks that have affected civilian areas over the past few days.

Joint military strikes launched by the U.S. and Israel on Iran on Saturday have triggered a sharp escalation across the Middle East, setting off waves of missile exchanges, mounting casualties, and far-reaching political and security repercussions.

Iran has responded with retaliatory strikes on various targets, with explosions reported in numerous countries including the UAE.

In recent days, the sounds of blasts have echoed in Dubai, leading to a noticeable decrease in the number of people and vehicles on the streets, while UAE authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant.

The closure of airspace across the Gulf region has also caused widespread disruption and left hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded.

Dubai International Airport now appears virtually empty, with no information displayed on the arrival boards.

Only one screen is operational for departures, and while the majority of flights have been canceled, the UAE has now started permitting a limited number to take off via what it is calling "safe air corridors" in careful coordination with other Gulf countries.

Some travelers gathered in the airport's waiting area on Tuesday, hoping to secure a spot on one of the handful of flights out of the country.

"I'm going back to India. I'm really excited. I came as a tourist. I arrived a week ago. I should have left on Sunday. But I'm leaving on Tuesday, today, two days later," said one Indian traveler.

However, many more remain stuck and can only wait patiently for more updates from airlines.

"I bought one (ticket) a month ago. But the plane that should fly now is canceled. I cannot fly away," said a stricken visitor from Germany.

Despite the circumstances, others say they will stay put and see how the situation unfolds.

"Yeah, I will stay in Dubai," said a worker from Uganda.

The number of visitors in the typically lively Dubai Mall is also noticeably down, while the landmark Apple Store is also presently closed.

The UAE's Ministry of Defense said on Wednesday that its air defense systems have intercepted close to 900 Iranian drones since the crisis erupted.

The ministry also confirmed that the attacks on the UAE have resulted in three fatalities as well as 78 minor injuries.

Dubai streets remain quiet as travel disruption continues after Iranian attacks