Posted on August 24, 2026
South China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is preparing for the opening of the Pinglu Canal, an infrastructure project designed to enable direct river-to-sea transport.
The canal spans 134.2 km from the Pingtang River estuary in Hengzhou along the Qinjiang River to the Beibu Gulf. It is China’s first major river-to-sea canal project planned since 1949, with an investment of more than 70 billion yuan ($10.37 billion).
The canal can handle vessels up to 5,000 tons, and by offering cheaper transit, it aims to boost trade and integrate industrial supply chains between China and ASEAN member countries.
It introduces a direct multimodal transport system that allows cargo ships to sail through both inland river channels and the open ocean.
Previously, market demand for such vessels did not exist because river ships sailed near estuaries and transferred cargo to larger ocean-going vessels at coastal facilities.
However, now the canal would do away with these transfers and offer direct port-to-port service once it becomes operational.
It would allow shipments from Nanning, the capital of Guangxi, to travel directly to Hainan Island, including Yangpu Port, and other ports in the Beibu Gulf, the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong Province, the Yangtze River estuary, and even neighbouring countries like Vietnam.
To support this route, specialised cargo vessels which can sail in both inland canals and open seas are being developed. According to He Junhui, engineering management director at the Pinglu Canal Group, such ships are expected by 2027 at the latest.
Local shipbuilder Guangxi Xijiang Heavy Industry Co. is currently constructing two ships, between 6000 and 10,000 deadweight tons, to test the river-sea capabilities of the canal.
Another issue is to identify which cargo type would be the most suitable and profitable for this route. Authorities are also working to bring about a regulatory framework for river-to-sea connectivity before the canal opens.
On August 17, the Nanning Maritime Safety Administration issued the first batch of inland route endorsement certificates to 9 crew members.
Seagoing crew must hold these certifications to legally navigate the Pinglu Canal, which acts as proof that ship personnel are certified to manage both inland and ocean routes safely.
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Disclaimer : The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
