Jiangsu government launched a month-long promotional campaign on 1 June to increase awareness of a government-backed insurance scheme to cover the costs of river pollution and clean-up before it comes into full operation in July. It is now compulsory for vessels carrying oil and chemicals in the province to take out policies that cover against clean-up of pollution caused by collision or leakage. The scheme will eventually be extended to all types of vessel in the waters of Jiangsu, the busiest stretch of the Yangtze.

The policy, initiated by the Jiangsu Marine Safety Bureau, Jiangsu Environment Protection Bureau and two other government bodies and issued by four major Chinese insurance companies, will be opened to vessels below 1,000 dwt, which are not normally covered by insurance policies. Trials began last November and 1,200 vessels signed up within a month.

Government officials hope that the scheme will increase public awareness of responsibilities towards the river, bring in financial resources to clean up pollution and improve the emergency response mechanism.