Source: Splash247
Date: 31st August 2026 

A new national logistics programme aims to strengthen multimodal connections, modernise port infrastructure and expand automation, AI and greener transport across China’s freight network.

China is accelerating investment in its logistics infrastructure under a national programme extending through 2030, with ports, rail connections, multimodal transport and digitalisation among the key priorities.

The programme calls for upgrades to major coastal and inland ports, including stronger bulk-handling capabilities, improvements to specialised terminals and modernisation of common port infrastructure.

But a major focus extends beyond the terminals themselves: how efficiently cargo moves between ports and inland logistics networks.

Strengthening port-to-inland connections. China plans to accelerate rail connections into coastal ports, alongside the development and expansion of intermodal transfer facilities and railway container yards.

The programme also targets improvements to railway sidings, port access roads, inland waterways and other cargo-transfer infrastructure.

Road bottlenecks around ports have been identified for faster upgrades, while additional river-sea transfer facilities are planned as China seeks to move more freight through rail and inland waterways.

Together, these measures are intended to improve cargo flows between maritime gateways, inland logistics hubs and manufacturing regions.

Automation and AI move further into logistics. Digitalisation forms another major part of the programme.

China plans to expand smart logistics hubs and intelligent port facilities, supported by sensing technologies and increasingly automated terminal operations.

The programme also calls for the use of artificial intelligence in logistics scheduling and greater data sharing, particularly across multimodal and waterborne transportation networks.

Driverless trucks are expected to be introduced first in controlled environments such as ports and logistics parks, where automated transport can operate within defined areas.

Greener freight infrastructure. The programme also incorporates measures aimed at reducing the environmental impact of freight transportation.

Major coastal and inland ports are expected to receive additional charging and battery-swapping infrastructure, together with green and alternative-fuel bunkering facilities.

Wider deployment of new-energy trucks, cleaner vessels and electric cargo-handling equipment is also planned.

China has set a target to reduce its total social logistics costs to 13.1% of GDP by 2030, highlighting the broader objective of improving the efficiency and competitiveness of its logistics system.

What This Means

• Better connections between ports, rail networks, inland waterways and logistics hubs could improve the efficiency of cargo movements between China’s manufacturing regions and international gateways.
• For businesses sourcing from or selling into China, developments in multimodal connectivity, terminal automation and inland transportation will be important to monitor as individual projects are implemented through 2030.

China’s programme reflects a broader shift in logistics infrastructure planning: efficient ports alone are no longer enough.

Supply chain performance increasingly depends on how effectively ports connect with rail, road, inland waterways, logistics hubs and digital systems.

By combining physical infrastructure with automation, AI and greener transportation, China is seeking to improve the entire journey of cargo from inland origin to international gateway. This approach could influence how supply chains using China evolve over the remainder of the decade.