Ministry of Transport: Hong Kong and Macau vessels to be managed as domestic shipping route vessels

At 2 PM on Tuesday, June 23, the Ministry of Transport will hold a regular press conference for June, releasing information on "Opinions on Promoting Maritime Services for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area" and answering reporters' questions.

Yang Xinzai said that the Ministry of Transport recently issued "Opinions on Promoting Maritime Services for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area." This is an important measure for the Ministry of Transport to accelerate the implementation of the "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Plan Outline" and the "Outline for Building a Strong Transportation Country" after the CPC Central Committee and the State Council issued the "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Plan Outline" in February 2019. It will promote the coordinated development of water transportation safety governance in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and better serve the high-quality development of the local economy in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Yang Xinzai briefly reported the main points of the "Opinions" from three aspects.

First, jointly promote the development of shipping in the Greater Bay Area.

The development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a national strategy personally planned, deployed, and promoted by General Secretary Xi Jinping. It is a new measure to promote the formation of a new pattern of comprehensive opening up in the new era, and it is also a new practice to promote the development of the cause of "one country, two systems." The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is the fourth largest bay area in the world after the New York Bay Area, the San Francisco Bay Area, and the Tokyo Bay Area. It is an important spatial carrier for the country to build a world-class urban agglomeration and participate in global competition. The distinct characteristics of the bay area economy are its access to rivers and seas, developed water transport, high degree of openness, and livability and employability. This determines that the shipping industry is the lifeline of the development of the Greater Bay Area.

Promoting maritime services for the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will comprehensively deepen exchanges and cooperation between mainland and Hong Kong and Macao maritime management agencies, gradually realizing a new pattern of win-win cooperation with resource sharing, mutual recognition of standards, and mutual assistance in law enforcement, and effectively promoting the coordinated development of shipping in the Greater Bay Area.

Second, build a demonstration zone for high-quality development.

Promoting maritime services for the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is guided by Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, implements the new development philosophy of "innovation, coordination, green, openness, and sharing," and continuously deepens the coordinated cooperation between mainland and Hong Kong and Macao maritime management agencies to provide excellent maritime services for the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The "Opinions" clarifies the development goals in two phases:

By 2022, the coordinated development of water transportation safety guarantee capabilities in the Greater Bay Area, a significant improvement in ship pollution prevention and control capabilities, the basic formation of a multi-governance pattern for water transportation safety in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the orderly operation of the cooperation mechanism between Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao maritime management agencies, and a significant improvement in the ability to serve the economic and social development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

By 2035, safe and convenient water transportation in the Greater Bay Area, efficient flow of shipping factors, efficient operation of the cooperation mechanism between Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao maritime management agencies, water transportation safety supervision and ship pollution prevention and control capabilities reaching international first-class levels, and the comprehensive establishment of a pilot zone for maritime services in the construction of a strong transportation country, an experimental zone for maritime reform and opening up and innovation development, and a demonstration zone for high-quality maritime development.

To achieve the above goals, we will focus on six aspects of work: First, deepen the mechanism for maritime coordination and cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area; Second, strengthen the construction of water transportation safety guarantee capabilities; Third, actively promote the green development of shipping in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area; Fourth, continuously improve the capacity for emergency search and rescue on water; Fifth, help optimize the shipping development environment in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area; Sixth, adhere to radiation-driven regional coordinated development.

Third, the key work content clarified in the "Opinions".

First, manage Hong Kong and Macao vessels in accordance with the management of domestic vessels. Previously, vessels on Hong Kong and Macao routes have been managed in accordance with the management model for international vessels, requiring the handling of entry and exit port procedures when entering and leaving mainland ports. The "Opinions" proposes to optimize the safety management of Hong Kong and Macao vessels sailing in the mainland of the Greater Bay Area. Three types of vessels sailing in and out of ports within the Greater Bay Area and between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao—Hong Kong and Macao-registered vessels, mainland transport vessels, and non-transport vessels registered in the Greater Bay Area—will be managed according to their respective water transportation safety management regulations. When entering and leaving mainland ports, they will be managed according to domestic routes, comprehensively improving the efficiency of water transportation in the Greater Bay Area. Other matters besides water transportation safety management will be implemented in accordance with current relevant laws and regulations.

Second, promote mutual recognition and cooperation in pilotage in the Greater Bay Area. The "Opinions" proposes "actively promoting mutual recognition of pilot qualifications in the Dapeng Bay waters within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and promoting single pilotage in the waters of the area." For vessels entering and leaving a port within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area but needing to navigate through the waters of other areas, the "Opinions" promotes the implementation of pilotage exemptions, hoping to effectively solve the problem of mandatory pilotage in the Hong Kong waters of Dapeng Bay, improve the convenience of shipping in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, reduce shipping costs, and promote the efficient and convenient flow of shipping factors.

Third, promote the three places of the mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao to jointly hold the "Greater Bay Area Maritime Festival," implement the "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Plan Outline," and promote multi-faceted cultural exchanges and cooperation in the Greater Bay Area.

Attachment: [Opinions on Promoting Maritime Services for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area]

In order to accelerate the implementation of the "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Plan Outline" and the "Outline for Building a Strong Transportation Country," promote the coordinated development of water transportation safety governance in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and better serve the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the following opinions are put forward.

I. Overall Requirements

(1) Guiding Ideology. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, implementing the new development philosophy, and continuously deepening the coordinated cooperation between Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao maritime management agencies to provide excellent maritime services for the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

(2) Basic Principles.

Adhere to coordinated development. Comprehensively deepen exchanges and cooperation in maritime affairs between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, gradually realizing a new pattern of win-win cooperation with resource sharing, mutual recognition of standards, and mutual assistance in law enforcement, and effectively promoting the coordinated development of shipping in the Greater Bay Area.

Adhere to innovative development. Taking innovation as the primary driving force for development, taking the lead in piloting, comprehensively promoting innovation in concepts, technology, systems, and management, and improving maritime supervision and service capabilities.

Adhere to safe development. Taking the guarantee of water transportation safety as the primary task, building a systematic, complete, and rapid response emergency guarantee system for water transportation safety, and providing water transportation safety guarantees for the high-quality development of the Greater Bay Area economy.

Adhere to green development. Implementing strict ship pollution prevention and control measures, coordinating with Hong Kong and Macao maritime management agencies to strengthen joint prevention and control of ship pollution, and promoting the green and sustainable development of shipping in the Greater Bay Area.

(3) Development Goals.

By 2022, the coordinated development of water transportation safety guarantee capabilities in the Greater Bay Area, a significant improvement in ship pollution prevention and control capabilities, the basic formation of a multi-governance pattern for water transportation safety in the Greater Bay Area, the orderly operation of the cooperation mechanism between Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao maritime management agencies, and a significant improvement in the ability to serve the economic development of the Greater Bay Area.

By 2035, safe and convenient water transportation in the Greater Bay Area, efficient flow of shipping factors, efficient operation of the cooperation mechanism between Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao maritime management agencies, water transportation safety supervision and ship pollution prevention and control capabilities reaching international first-class levels, and the comprehensive establishment of a pilot zone for maritime services in the construction of a strong transportation country, an experimental zone for maritime reform and opening up and innovation development, and a demonstration zone for high-quality maritime development.

II. Deepening the Mechanism for Maritime Coordination and Cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

(4) Establishing and improving the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao maritime cooperation mechanism. Adhering to the concept of coordinated development, promoting the signing of strategic cooperation framework agreements with Hong Kong and Macao maritime management agencies. Establishing and improving the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao maritime coordinated cooperation mechanism, relying on the high-level dialogue mechanism between the three governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, comprehensively coordinating maritime management affairs in the Greater Bay Area.

(5) Promoting multicultural exchange in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Leveraging the advantages of geographical proximity and shared cultural heritage among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, we will innovate approaches to cultural exchange, enrich its content, and focus on marine, maritime, and nautical themes. Through forums, seminars, and other forms of exchange, we will promote the integration and exchange of diverse cultures, primarily centered around excellent traditional Chinese culture, Lingnan culture, nautical culture, and maritime culture, thereby raising the public awareness and influence of maritime affairs in the Greater Bay Area. We will collaborate with maritime administrative bodies in Hong Kong and Macao to hold a Greater Bay Area Maritime Festival, incorporating events such as China Maritime Day, Hong Kong Maritime Week, Macao Maritime and Water Affairs Bureau Day, Guangzhou Maritime Exhibition, and Shenzhen Yacht Show, to enhance interaction between the Greater Bay Area's shipping and maritime industries and the public. We will support the organization of Greater Bay Area youth maritime summer camps and other activities to strengthen youth exchange in marine and maritime culture.

(6) Sharing maritime management information among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao in accordance with the law. We will collaborate with maritime administrative bodies in Hong Kong and Macao to establish a vessel supervision information reporting system and promote the lawful interconnection and interoperability of vessel supervision data. We will promote the exchange and sharing of maritime management data, such as safety inspections of non-convention vessels, gradually enhancing the service and integrated support capabilities of maritime data. We will advance the implementation and improvement of the "Pearl River Estuary VTS Data Sharing Cooperation Plan," upgrading the cooperation of VTS systems in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area from the independent operation of single systems to the collaborative operation of multiple systems, thereby improving the VTS traffic organization management and overall service capabilities and levels. We will explore the joint construction of a unified standard, distributed, and diversified nautical aids data center. We will accelerate the electronic processing of ship certificates and Chinese seafarer certificates, improving ship passage efficiency. We will jointly promote the construction of Macao's integrated maritime management information platform to serve Macao's marine economic development.

(7) Promoting the coordination and mutual recognition of maritime management and technical standards among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. We will strengthen law enforcement exchanges among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao maritime authorities and research the coordination and mutual recognition of maritime management and technical standards. We will actively promote the mutual recognition of pilot qualifications and single pilotage in the Dapeng Bay waters. We will strengthen cooperation and exchanges among maritime administrative bodies in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, gradually unifying the enforcement management discretion for vessels subject to conventions, strengthening compliance cooperation, and improving the Greater Bay Area's compliance capabilities. We will collaborate with Hong Kong and Macao to establish and improve a cooperation mechanism for safety inspections of non-convention vessels traveling to and from Hong Kong and Macao, promoting the coordination and consistency of safety inspection rules and standards.

III. Strengthening Waterway Traffic Safety Assurance Capabilities

(8) Vigorously promoting the alignment of waterway traffic safety management systems in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We will continue to promote the alignment of maritime management systems among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, actively exploring the joint formulation of maritime management rules by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, and promoting the introduction of waterway traffic safety management systems for the Greater Bay Area. We will improve arrangements for yachts traveling to and from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, providing a sound legal environment for waterway traffic safety in the Greater Bay Area.

(9) Actively serving the efficient and convenient flow of vessels in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We will optimize the safety management of Hong Kong and Macao vessels navigating in the mainland waters of the Greater Bay Area. Three categories of vessels (Hong Kong and Macao vessels, mainland transport vessels, and non-transport vessels registered in the Greater Bay Area ports of the mainland) entering and leaving ports and navigating between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao within the Greater Bay Area will be managed according to their respective waterway traffic safety management regulations. When entering and leaving mainland ports, they will be subject to waterway traffic safety management in accordance with domestic routes, comprehensively improving the efficiency of waterway passage in the Greater Bay Area. Matters other than waterway traffic safety management will be handled in accordance with current relevant laws and regulations.

We will strengthen the safety management of high-speed passenger vessels in the Pearl River waters. Under the framework of the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, and in conjunction with the conditions of the Greater Bay Area waters, we will promote the unification of inspection requirements for high-speed passenger vessels among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.

(10) Promoting the improvement of waterway public transportation infrastructure in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We will construct maritime patrol vessels, drones, VTS, and other regulatory and service equipment and facilities that match the needs of the economic and social development of the Greater Bay Area, significantly improving maritime law enforcement capabilities. We will support the construction of large-scale deep-water port areas, deep-water channels, navigational aids, and typhoon-resistant anchorages in the Greater Bay Area, promoting the construction of small boat channels in the Pearl River Estuary to achieve separate navigation for large and small vessels. We will promote the coordinated layout of navigational aids in the Greater Bay Area and strengthen cooperation in the maintenance and management of waterway navigational aids among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.

(11) Enhancing the technological level of nautical aids in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We will deepen the application of the BeiDou Satellite Navigation System, encouraging vessels navigating within the Greater Bay Area to install and use BeiDou terminals and promoting the application of high-precision BeiDou navigation and positioning services. We will promote the establishment of a voluntary vessel water depth monitoring mechanism, promote the construction of multi-functional buoys, strengthen the sharing of hydrological and meteorological information, and build a comprehensive monitoring system for navigable environment information covering the entire Greater Bay Area. We will optimize the information reporting and collaborative mechanisms for distress emergency and safety communications, promoting the construction of the Greater Bay Area's Very High Frequency Data Exchange System (VDES), high-frequency digital communication, and maritime wireless broadband, forming a multi-layered coverage of professional maritime digital communication services. We will jointly formulate standards for e-navigation services in the Greater Bay Area, promote the application of intelligent waterways and intelligent aids to navigation, and jointly promote the implementation of the Greater Bay Area's e-navigation strategy. We will promote the construction of a demonstration zone for intelligent shipping services for nautical aids.

(12) Comprehensively innovating the maritime credit management mechanism in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We will accelerate the construction of the mainland maritime credit system, establishing and improving mechanisms for the collection, evaluation, classification, aggregation, and sharing of credit information, implementing credit-based classification management, and building a new maritime regulatory mechanism based on credit management.

IV. Actively Promoting Green Development of Shipping in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

(13) Comprehensively strengthening the vessel pollution control system and governance capabilities. Adhering to the concept of green development, we will formulate coordinated policies and plans for the control of vessel pollutant emissions. We will improve the joint regulatory system for the transfer and disposal of vessel wastewater, jointly promoting the implementation of emission control areas for vessels, conducting regional joint prevention and control law enforcement, and effectively preventing and controlling vessel pollution of the Greater Bay Area's waters. We will comprehensively carry out vessel air pollution control work and promote unified law enforcement standards for vessel air pollution control in the Greater Bay Area. We will pilot measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport, leading the green development of shipping in the Greater Bay Area. We will promote the application of LNG-fueled and battery-powered vessels and the use of shore power by vessels when berthed, expanding the application of electricity, hydrogen, and other new energy sources in the shipping sector, and promoting energy conservation and emission reduction in vessels. We will research and promote green ferry technology in the Greater Bay Area.

(14) Effectively promoting the construction of comprehensive emergency response capabilities for water pollution in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Aiming to improve the oil spill response capabilities of the Greater Bay Area, we will promote the implementation of the "Pearl River Estuary Regional Maritime Vessel Pollution Emergency Cooperation Arrangement" by the three regions. We will further deepen emergency cooperation on vessel pollution, exploring the establishment of the Guangdong Provincial Maritime Oil Spill Emergency Response Center and the Greater Bay Area Vessel Pollution Control Center, enhancing the emergency response capabilities for vessel pollution in the Greater Bay Area, and building a clean blue Greater Bay Area.

V. Continuously Improving Water Emergency Search and Rescue Capabilities

(15) Improving the cooperation mechanism for water emergency search and rescue in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We will deepen and improve the joint search and rescue cooperation mechanism among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, collaborating with maritime administrative bodies in Hong Kong and Macao to improve the emergency command and contingency plan system for waterway traffic in the Greater Bay Area, promoting the signing of a framework agreement on maritime search and rescue cooperation in the Greater Bay Area, and continuously conducting joint waterway search and rescue exercises among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. We will improve the joint emergency response mechanism for typhoons and other natural disasters in the Greater Bay Area, promoting the joint formulation of emergency plans for typhoon prevention and control in the Greater Bay Area, coordinating typhoon early warning work, and, based on the functions and usage restrictions of anchorage areas, coordinating the use of typhoon-resistant anchorages and other resources. We will jointly carry out post-disaster weather traffic organization, maritime accident rescue and salvage, hydrographic surveys, and the restoration of navigational aids, improving the coordinated capabilities of the Greater Bay Area in preventing and combating typhoons.

(16) Enhancing Water Emergency Search and Rescue Capabilities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Promote the sharing of water emergency search and rescue resources in the Greater Bay Area, and promote the construction and opening of search and rescue aircraft and vessel replenishment and landing points in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. Promote the optimization of the maritime rescue transfer process among the three places of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, improve the efficiency of maritime rescue transfer work in the Greater Bay Area, and make every effort to ensure the safety of lives and property on the water in the Greater Bay Area. Give full play to the role of industry associations, public welfare social organizations, and water search and rescue volunteer teams, strengthen the construction of water search and rescue volunteer teams in the Greater Bay Area, and gradually build a new pattern of water emergency search and rescue in the Greater Bay Area that is "government-led, socially participatory, coordinated forces, and jointly built and shared".

VI. Contributing to the Optimization of the Shipping Development Environment in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

(17) Comprehensively Enhancing the Efficiency of Maritime Services in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Study and implement policies to facilitate maritime transport in the Greater Bay Area, promote the convenient flow of goods in the Greater Bay Area, and support the construction of cross-border trade service platforms. Strengthen coordination and cooperation among port departments, strengthen the linkage between maritime management agencies and port management departments, promote improved customs clearance efficiency, and continuously improve social satisfaction. Promote the development of sea passenger transport between Shenzhen, Dongguan and other cities on the east bank of the Pearl River Estuary and Macao. Optimize maritime administrative service measures, implement convenient measures such as "multiple certificates in one", "one-time processing", and "one-network processing" for ships and crew certificates and documents in the Greater Bay Area, and improve the efficiency of maritime administrative services.

(18) Contributing to the Aggregation of Shipping Industry Factors in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Give play to the characteristics of Hong Kong and Macao's free ports and international ship registration systems, support the development of high-end shipping services such as ship management and leasing, ship financing, marine insurance, maritime law, and dispute resolution, use Hong Kong and other places as bases for the development of high-end shipping services, increase the aggregation of shipping industry factors in the Greater Bay Area, and enhance the competitiveness of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's shipping industry. Relying on the international registration ports of "Hong Kong", "China Qianhai", "Nansha, Guangdong", and "Hengqin, Guangdong", research and explore the international ship registration system in the Greater Bay Area, and optimize ship registration procedures. Explore and promote the gradual opening-up policy for statutory inspections of internationally registered vessels within the free trade pilot zones. Promote information sharing on the qualifications and capabilities of mutual aid insurance institutions. Support technological innovation in intelligent ships, seaplanes, and other shipping technologies, and promote the development of intelligent shipping. Open a green channel for maritime government services to serve the steady development of large ship building bases.

(19) Promoting the Construction of a High-Quality Crew Team in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Serve Hong Kong and Macao residents in conveniently applying for crew certificates in the mainland. Accelerate the completion of the national-level crew competency assessment demonstration center to provide convenient and high-quality examination and certification services for crew members in the Greater Bay Area. Promote cooperation projects such as maritime labor training implemented by international organizations in Guangzhou, promote the construction of a high-quality crew team, and provide support and guarantee for the development of the shipping industry in the Greater Bay Area.

(20) Supporting the High-Quality Development of the Maritime Tourism Industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Support the development of island and coastal tourism industries in the Greater Bay Area, coordinate with Hong Kong and Macao maritime management agencies, promote the delineation of waters for yacht free-travel leisure activities, promote the mutual recognition of yacht certificates and yacht operators' certificates in the Greater Bay Area, and establish an efficient and convenient management mechanism for yacht free travel. Support the orderly construction of international cruise ports in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, promote benign interaction and effective coordination and division of labor among cruise ports in the region, actively promote the aggregation of cruise and yacht elements, and continuously improve the sense of gain, happiness, and security of the people in the Greater Bay Area in terms of water travel and tourism. Serve the construction of Zhuhai Hengqin International Leisure Tourism Island, support the development and utilization of surrounding island tourism resources, support the development of Guangdong-Macao island tourism and public tourism wharves, support the development of new maritime tourism formats, promote Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao yacht free travel, and support the construction of Macao's world tourism and leisure center.

(21) Serving the Sustainable Development of Fisheries in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Combining the work of inspection and testing of Hong Kong and Macao mobile fishing vessels, coordinating with Hong Kong and Macao maritime management agencies to provide high-quality maritime services for Hong Kong and Macao mobile fishermen, and promoting the sustainable development of fisheries in the Greater Bay Area.

VII. Adhering to Radiation-Driven Regional Coordinated Development

(22) Supporting the Construction of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Cooperation Development Platforms. Support Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international shipping center. Support Shenzhen Qianhai in building an international high-end shipping service center and developing the modern shipping service industry. Support Guangzhou Nansha in developing shipping finance, ship leasing, and other characteristic finance, and explore the establishment of an innovative insurance element trading platform such as international shipping insurance. Support Jiangmen, Zhongshan, Dongguan, Foshan, Huizhou, Shanwei, Zhaoqing and other cities in giving full play to their respective advantages and working together to promote the construction of the Greater Bay Area.

(23) Promoting the High-Quality Development of the Pearl River-Xi Jiang Economic Belt Shipping. Promote the high-quality development of the Pearl River-Xi Jiang Economic Belt shipping, deepen the coordinated cooperation between Guangdong and Guangxi maritime affairs, promote the construction of "Safe Xi Jiang", and serve the development of the Greater Bay Area. Support the improvement of the through capacity and accessibility of the Xi Jiang waterway to the sea, improve the waterway level, build a high-level waterway network with smooth access to the main and branch lines, and improve the standardization level of vessels on the Xi Jiang main line.

VIII. Guarantee Measures

(24) Strengthening Organizational Leadership. Adhere to the Party's overall leadership, and thoroughly implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee and the State Council on the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Establish a leading group for maritime services for the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to study and resolve major issues such as deepening cooperation among maritime management agencies in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, signing a framework agreement on maritime cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, and formulating policies for maritime services for the development of the Greater Bay Area, and strengthen the overall coordination and implementation of maritime services for the Greater Bay Area. The Guangdong Maritime Bureau is responsible for liaising with the Guangdong Provincial Leading Group Office for Promoting the Construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to coordinate relevant work.

(25) Doing a Good Job in Planning Coordination. Based on the docking and implementation of plans such as the "Development Plan Outline for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area" and the "Outline for Building a Strong Transportation Country", focus on key projects and major tasks to achieve breakthroughs and form a driving effect. Actively seek planning and financial support, include major infrastructure projects in local government plans, and prioritize projects that are conducive to promoting the development of the Greater Bay Area.

(26) Carrying Out Pilot Programs. Adhere to the spirit of daring to explore, coordinating overall planning, using points to lead areas, and proceeding step by step, actively carry out pilot programs for maritime cooperation in the Greater Bay Area, and support the exploration of maritime management and technological innovation in Shenzhen Qianhai, Guangzhou Nansha, and Zhuhai Hengqin to provide replicable and generalizable experience for maritime services for the construction of the Greater Bay Area. In organizing and implementing various tasks to serve the Greater Bay Area, relevant departments should provide convenient conditions for maritime management agencies.

(27) Strengthening Implementation Management. Fully understand the importance of maritime services for the development of the Greater Bay Area, actively carry out news planning and release work for maritime services for the development of the Greater Bay Area, enhance the social influence of maritime services for the development of the Greater Bay Area, and create a good public opinion atmosphere.

Ministry of Transport

June 12, 2020

Policy Interpretation of "Opinions on Promoting Maritime Services for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area"

Recently, the Ministry of Transport issued the "Opinions on Promoting Maritime Services for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area" (hereinafter referred to as the "Opinions"). The following is an interpretation of the relevant policies:

I. Background of Issuance

The construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a major national strategy made by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. In February 2019, the "Development Plan Outline for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area" was officially released, aiming to fully and accurately implement the "one country, two systems" principle, deepen cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong and Macao, and enhance the supporting and leading role of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in national economic development and opening up to the outside world. Promoting the construction of the Greater Bay Area is a new measure in the new era to promote the formation of a new pattern of comprehensive opening up, and it is also a new practice to promote the development of the cause of "one country, two systems". Building a globally competitive international port hub in the Greater Bay Area, promoting the integrated planning and construction of comprehensive transportation hubs, and building world-class ports are also important supports for China's national transportation power construction.

From the perspective of development positioning, the unique geographical location advantage of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area makes the shipping industry one of the important pillars of the economic development of the Greater Bay Area. Therefore, it is necessary for the maritime management agencies of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao to cooperate to ensure the safety of water transportation in the Greater Bay Area and promote the safe and green development of shipping. Serving the construction of the Greater Bay Area has put forward new and higher requirements for maritime affairs, and also provided new historical opportunities for maritime development. In order to thoroughly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, accelerate the implementation of the "Development Plan Outline for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area" and the "Outline for Building a Strong Transportation Country", and better serve the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the maritime department has actively integrated into and served the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and our department has formulated the "Opinions".

II. Guiding Ideology and Overall Goals

The "Opinions" propose that, guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we will implement the new development concept of "innovation, coordination, green, openness, and sharing", continuously deepen the coordinated cooperation of maritime management agencies in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, and provide excellent maritime services for the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The "Opinions" clarify that by 2022, the coordinated development of water transportation safety guarantee capabilities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will be achieved, the ability to prevent and control ship pollution will be significantly improved, a multi-governance pattern of water transportation safety in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will be basically formed, the cooperation mechanism of maritime management agencies in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao will operate in an orderly manner, and the ability to serve the economic and social development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will be significantly improved. By 2035, water transportation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will be safe and convenient, shipping factors will flow efficiently, the cooperation mechanism of maritime management agencies in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao will operate efficiently, the supervision of water transportation safety and the ability to prevent and control ship pollution will reach the international first-class level, and a pilot area for maritime services in the construction of a strong transportation country, an experimental area for maritime reform and opening up and innovation development, and a demonstration area for high-quality maritime development will be fully built.

III. Main Tasks

In order to effectively fulfill the important responsibilities of maritime services for the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the "Opinions" focus on promoting and improving the governance capacity of water transportation safety in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and continuously deepening the coordinated cooperation of maritime management agencies in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. The "Opinions" consistently adhere to the following aspects:

First, strengthen cooperation in the field of maritime management and implement closer cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong and Macao. The "Opinions" emphasize the role of maritime professional characteristics and advantages, focusing on the fields of nautical maritime cultural exchange, water emergency rescue, and navigation guarantee, to conduct pilot tests to build a coordinated development mechanism for the Greater Bay Area, conduct beneficial explorations for the coordinated cooperation of maritime administrative management agencies in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and make contributions to the development of the "one country, two systems" cause.

Second, help the aggregation of shipping factors and enhance the international competitiveness of the Pearl River Delta port group. The "Opinions" focus on improving the efficiency of maritime services in the Greater Bay Area, optimizing the maritime management model for domestic ships from Hong Kong and Macao within the Greater Bay Area, promoting the efficient and convenient flow of ships in the Greater Bay Area, promoting the convenient flow of logistics in the Greater Bay Area, serving to enhance Hong Kong's status as an international shipping center, supporting the enhancement of Guangzhou and Shenzhen's international shipping comprehensive service functions, and promoting the construction of an international transportation and logistics hub.

Third, adhere to the people-centered approach and actively optimize the business environment of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Improve the ability of water emergency rescue and ensure the safety of lives and property on the water in the Greater Bay Area. Practice the concept of ecological civilization, implement ship pollution prevention and control measures that meet international standards, and build a blue and clean Greater Bay Area. Support the high-quality development of the marine tourism industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, serve the construction of Macao's international leisure tourism center, improve the convenience of life for the people in the Greater Bay Area, and build the Greater Bay Area into a high-quality living circle suitable for living, working, and traveling.

Fourth, focus on serving the development of the Greater Bay Area and improve maritime governance capabilities. Serving the development of the Greater Bay Area has put forward new and higher requirements for maritime governance capabilities, and it is also a major historical opportunity to promote high-quality maritime development. The "Opinions" have made innovations and optimizations in terms of maritime service levels, capabilities, and technological needs, in order to further improve the level of maritime safety management and service capabilities, and strive to promote the modernization of the maritime governance system and governance capacity.

The "Opinions" put forward 20 specific measures in six aspects: deepening coordinated cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, strengthening the construction of water transportation safety guarantee capabilities in the Greater Bay Area, actively promoting green development of shipping, continuously improving water emergency rescue capabilities, helping to optimize the shipping development environment, and adhering to radiation-driven regional coordinated development.

First, deepen the mechanism of coordinated cooperation in maritime affairs in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This includes establishing and improving the cooperation mechanism for maritime affairs in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, promoting multi-cultural exchanges in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, comprehensively sharing maritime management information in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, and promoting the coordination and mutual recognition of maritime management and technical standards in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. Four specific measures are proposed.

Second, strengthen the construction of water transportation safety guarantee capabilities. This includes vigorously promoting the water transportation safety management system in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, actively serving the efficient and convenient flow of ships in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, promoting the improvement of the level of water public transportation infrastructure in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, improving the scientific and technological level of navigation guarantee in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and comprehensively innovating the maritime credit management mechanism in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Five specific measures are proposed.

Third, actively promote the green development of shipping in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This includes comprehensively strengthening the construction of the ship pollution control system and governance capacity, and effectively promoting the construction of comprehensive pollution emergency response capabilities in the waters of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Two specific measures are proposed.

Fourth, continuously improve the ability of water emergency rescue. This includes improving the cooperation mechanism for water emergency rescue in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and improving the ability of water emergency rescue in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Two specific measures are proposed.

Fifth, help to optimize the shipping development environment in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This includes comprehensively improving the efficiency of maritime services in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, helping the aggregation of shipping industry factors in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, promoting the construction of a high-quality crew team in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, supporting the high-quality development of the marine tourism industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and serving the sustainable development of fisheries in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Five specific measures are proposed.

Sixth, we will adhere to the principle of radiating and driving regional collaborative development. This includes two specific measures: supporting the development and construction of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao cooperation and promoting high-quality development of shipping in the Pearl River-Xi Jiang Economic Belt.

IV. Safeguarding Measures

To ensure the effective implementation of the Opinions, four measures are specified: First, strengthen organizational leadership to provide strong political guarantees for maritime services supporting the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Second, align planning and implement national strategic plans and projects promoting the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Third, conduct pilot programs to gradually promote the application of replicable experiences in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Fourth, strengthen implementation management and enhance the social influence of maritime services supporting the development of the Greater Bay Area.