The Ministry of Transport issued a comprehensive plan on 28 September for the shipping industry to reduce emissions by 2015. According to the plan, the ministry will set up a special fund to invest in infrastructure, pay for pilot projects, provide incentives for rolling out schemes, finance research and development, and draft new regulations and standards. A special task force will be set up to oversee the execution of the plan.

According to China Securities Newspaper, by 2015 energy consumption for terminal operators and shipping lines will be reduced by 8 per cent from a base level of 2005 and carbon emissions will be reduced by 10 per cent. By then, the industry should be more aware of the emission targets and a system will be established to manage, measure and monitor emissions.

Priority will be given to pilot projects involving new technology, such as LNG- and electric-powered engines for handling equipment and vessels, and recycling technology used in oil and gas terminals.