Beijing: China's marine economy expanded steadily during the first half of 2025, with gross ocean production reaching 5.1 trillion yuan (about $708 billion), marking a 5.8% year-over-year increase, according to preliminary data released Friday by China's Ministry of Natural Resources. The growth comes amid complex global economic conditions.
According to Bahrain News Agency, approved maritime development areas increased 25.2% to 167,000 hectares, supporting projects worth 500 billion yuan (about $69 billion). Offshore crude oil production rose 2.3%, while natural gas output jumped 16.9%, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The offshore wind power sector showed dramatic expansion, with new grid-connected capacity surging 199.4% and power generation growing 2.2%. Domestic aquatic production increased 4.8%.
China's shipbuilding sector maintained its global leadership position, accounting for 64% of new orders by compensated gross tonnage, 47.2% of global completions, and 57.6% of order backlog, according to ministry data. Marine tourism grew 8%, with cruise passenger volume up 40.1%. Marine transport volumes increased 5.2%, with freight turnover rising 6.9%.