The Yangtze Maritime Safety Authorities launched its ‘electronic patrol’ in Wuhu on 30 June. Starting from 1 July, the maritime authorities are able to patrol the waters within their remit using modern technology. This will enable them to monitor shipping on the Yangtze at all times and during all weather conditions.

The move is part of the so-called ‘Digital Waterway’, an infrastructure programme along the entire Yangtze that will eventually allow transmission of real-time data – such as vessels, currents and silting patterns – to be shared by different government departments along the river.

The Yangtze MSA is responsible for the sections between Wuhu, Anhui province and Yibing, Sichuan province. The stretch between the Yangtze Mouth up to Wuhu, where electronic patrols have already been in place for about a year, is the responsibility of Jiangsu MSA.