From November 15 to 18, the World Maritime Equipment Conference 2024 and the Second China Maritime Equipment Expo (hereinafter referred to as the “Maritime Equipment Expo”) were held in Fuzhou.

The World Maritime Equipment Conference 2024 was held in Fuzhou(Fujian Daily Reporter: Lin Xi / Photography)

　　Carrying the dreams of humanity to new horizons, this high-level international event for the maritime equipment industry brought together nearly 800 renowned companies, universities, and research institutions in the maritime sector. With an exhibition area of 100,000 square meters and over 7,000 cutting-edge technological products, it showcased the latest achievements and future trends in the maritime equipment field.

　　The model of a super-large container ship presented by China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (Fujian Daily Reporter: Lin Xi / Photography)

　　Shell, Accelleron, Schneider, CSSC, China National Nuclear Corporation, DNV, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping... More than 10 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry-leading organizations made their collective appearance, presenting high-tech products and smart solutions to lead the future. The world’s largest 271,000 cubic meter LNG carrier, the world's largest 93,000 cubic meter ultra-large LPG ship, and the 99,000 cubic meter ultra-large ethane dual-fuel transport vessel... The “major national equipment” tells the story of China’s maritime power development. The 7,500-car dual-fuel vehicle transport vessel, the “Minjiang Living Room” electric cruise ship, the “Donghu Star” cruise ship from Ningde, products from Times Electric Ship, and the ship battery management system all witness the accelerated rise of Fujian’s maritime equipment industry.

　　The “Deep Sea No.1” energy station model in the Shandong exhibition area attracted the interest of the audience. “Deep Sea No.1” is the world’s first 100,000-ton deepwater semi-submersible oil production and storage platform independently developed and built by China. It achieves three world-class innovations and utilizes 13 domestically first technologies. (Fujian Daily Reporter: Lin Xi / Photography)

　　Here, there is hard-core strength for diving into the deep sea. A manta ray-inspired submersible, polar exploration unmanned submersibles, work-class underwater robots, the “Plankton-Crawler” hybrid ROV system, and the deep-sea multifunctional self-propelled trenching and cable-laying robot... One by one, these skilled underwater robots allow humans to open their “thousand-mile eyes” in the deep sea, extend mechanical arms, and perform a wide array of tasks.

Visitors continuously gathered at the offshore new energy display platform.(Fujian Daily Reporter: Wang Yi / Photography)

　　Here, there is a global determination to move toward greener development. The shipboard carbon capture system, zero-emission ship liquid nitrogen supply system, ship batteries and electronic control systems, and electric vessel remote intelligent monitoring systems... Each of these green power sources, materials, and technologies reflects the global consensus on deepening blue cooperation and promoting sustainable marine development.

　　Here, there is a driving force advancing toward the future. Underwater robot design and manufacturing, target identification, navigation and positioning, autonomous control, racing competitions, obstacle avoidance and handling, 2D and 3D simulation technologies... In the Smart Ocean Track National Final of the 17th International Advanced Robot and Simulation Technology Competition, young students shine on stage, their brilliant ideas lighting the way forward. Industry chain cooperation promotes the development and application of international maritime decarbonization, green and intelligent ship technologies, sustainable development (ESG) in the shipbuilding industry, and the development of the smart maritime industry... High-level forums are gathering wisdom and strength, painting the “green and intelligent future with new quality productive forces” of the maritime industry.

　　China’s first 3D printing technology for physical ships and boats amazed the audience at the scene.(Fujian Daily Reporter: Lin Xi / Photography)

　　New technologies and products have also brought vast new markets. The HSCC Global R&D Center and New Materials Integrated Industrial Park, CSSC Zhangzhou Zhangpu Equipment Industrial Park, Xiamen Marine Innovation Industrial Park (Phase II), Beidou-3 Smart Maritime Ship Tracking Platform... At the conference, Fujian signed 178 projects, with a total investment exceeding 170 billion yuan. The “blue economy” is surging with energy.

　　This is a symphony of the ocean and technology and a profound gaze into the future. With dreams as our ship and innovation as the oar, we sail toward the stars and the sea, and we will never stop. (Fujian Daily Reporters: Zhang Ying and Chen Min)