Guide to application for preliminary review for approval of foreign-flagged vessels operating maritime transportation and towing services between Chinese ports

en.hainan.gov.cn

Updated: 2026-06-04

This guide provides essential information to foreign operators in Hainan on applying for approval for foreign-flagged vessels to engage in maritime transportation and towing operations between Chinese ports.

Basic requirements
There is no China-registered ship that meets the transportation requirements of the application.

The ports or waters where the ship calls are ports or waters open to the general public.

The applicant shall possess operating qualifications corresponding or similar to the intended waterway transportation services of the chartered vessel and meet the conditions stipulated in the Provisions on the Administration of Domestic Waterway Transportation. The age of the chartered foreign vessel shall not exceed the scrapping age limit prescribed in the Regulations on the Administration of Old Transportation Ships.

Required materials
1. Application for approval for foreign-flagged vessels to engage in maritime transportation and towing operations between Chinese ports;
2. Transportation contract signed with the cargo owner, if the carrier is not the owner of the ship, the charter contract should also be provided;
3. Certificate of registration of the ship, certificate of ownership of the ship and documents proving that the ship is in seaworthy condition;
4. Supporting documents proving that the applicant is actually undertaking domestic waterway transportation operations;
5. Commitment letter on the fulfillment of work safety responsibilities by the applicant.

Where to submit your application
Authority: Hainan Provincial Transportation Department
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am-noon and 2:30 pm-5:30 pm (except public holidays)
Contact: 0898-65203031
Click here for more details.