In a demonstration of resilience and innovation, China's marine economy expanded steadily in the first half of 2025. Preliminary data from China's Ministry of Natural Resources shows gross ocean production reached 5.1 trillion yuan (about $708 billion), marking a 5.8 percent year-over-year increase amid complex global conditions.
Resource Development Accelerates
Approved maritime development areas jumped 25.2 percent to 167,000 hectares, supporting 500 billion yuan in new projects. Offshore crude oil production climbed 2.3 percent, while natural gas output surged 16.9 percent. The offshore wind power sector saw dramatic growth, with new grid-connected capacity up 199.4 percent and power generation rising 2.2 percent. Aquatic farming also grew by 4.8 percent.
Traditional Industries Remain Strong
China cemented its leadership in shipbuilding, claiming 64 percent of new orders by compensated gross tonnage, 47.2 percent of global completions, and 57.6 percent of order backlog. Marine tourism grew 8 percent, with cruise passenger numbers up 40.1 percent. Marine transport volumes rose 5.2 percent, and freight turnover increased 6.9 percent.
Emerging Sectors Ride the Wave of Innovation
Offshore engineering equipment deliveries surged 39.3 percent, with order backlogs up 9.7 percent. Qingdao introduced its "Starfish AI Model" for marine pharmaceutical research, and the "Fenjinhao" megawatt generator marked three years of continuous operation.
Experts say this growth underscores a strategic focus on marine resource development and technological innovation, highlighting the sector's resilience in the face of global trade uncertainties.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
