August 4, 2026

On a busy stretch of water in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, a 12-meter-long maritime patrol vessel adjusted its course, followed its assigned route and scanned the surface for potential hazards — all without an officer having to steer it through every maneuver.

The vessel, Haixun 14102, is China's first maritime law enforcement boat to receive an integrated digital and intelligent upgrade. Equipped with an intelligent navigation module, multiple sensing devices and a platform linking the vessel with a shore-based control center, it entered trial operation in early July, according to the Maritime Safety Administration under the Ministry of Transport.

The pilot reflects China's broader push to integrate artificial intelligence, connected navigation systems and remote monitoring into one of the world's largest water transport networks.

Read more:

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/04/WS6a713a45a310986e2b468cd9.html