Some regulations governing the registration of ships will be adjusted in Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) to support the development of the port, according to a circular issued by the State Council on May 11.

For ships registered at the Hainan FTP, restrictions on equity ratio of foreign investment will be lifted if their navigation and operation are confined to the port.

Local authorities should establish a cooperative mechanism, cement information sharing, and adopt necessary technical measures to strengthen supervision and management on registration, navigation, and operation of concerned ships, in order to effectively maintain order in domestic waterway transportation and safeguard national security.

Concrete regulations will be formulated by the Hainan provincial authority and implemented with approvals from the transportation department of the State Council.