China Achieves Milestone in Ocean Economy: Marine GDP Hits Record ¥10 Trillion in 2024
China’s marine economy has sailed past a critical milestone, hitting over ¥10 trillion (~US $1.39 trillion) in 2024—a 5.9% increase from the previous year—solidifying the country’s position as a global maritime powerhouse.
According to the latest data from China’s Ministry of Natural Resources, the ocean-based sectors—ranging from shipping and coastal tourism to offshore wind and marine biopharmaceuticals—have emerged as strategic engines of national growth. This expansion is in line with Beijing’s “blue economy” agenda, which focuses on sustainable maritime development and high-value industrial transformation.
The report highlights strong performance in emerging marine industries, including:
-
Offshore renewable energy, especially wind power,
-
Marine engineering equipment manufacturing, and
-
Ocean information services, like satellite and data technologies.
Additionally, traditional sectors such as shipbuilding, port logistics, and coastal fishing continued to show solid growth despite global shipping headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty.
What sets this year’s achievement apart is the parallel focus on ecological preservation. China has ramped up efforts to monitor and control marine pollution, restore coastal wetlands, and establish marine protected zones, aiming to strike a balance between economic output and environmental sustainability.
“China’s marine economy is no longer just about ports and fish—it’s about innovation, digitalization, and responsible growth at sea,” noted maritime analysts in response to the figures.
This development is significant for global shipping, investment, and trade stakeholders. It reflects both China’s maritime ambition and a larger shift toward ocean-based climate solutions and sustainable industrialization. For logistics providers, port operators, and marine engineers, this milestone signals deeper integration of smart technology and green policy into Asia-Pacific maritime growth.
