The Yangtze MSA, in charge of the waterway between Anhui and Chongqing, will provide free Automatic Identification System (AIS) equipment to all passenger ferries that are less than 100 dwt, according to its director Mr Wang Rujun. Within its remit, Yangtze MSA has a total of 817 ferries, including special ferries for students, and 897 ferry terminals.

The measure will help passenger ferries reduce the risk of colliding with passing cargo vessels and allow MSA officials to carry out effective tracking.

The AIS is an automated tracking system used to identify and locate vessels by electronically exchanging data with other nearby vessels and AIS base stations.