Since the Boao Near-Zero Carbon Demonstration Zone was formally unveiled on March 18, 2024, COSCO SHIPPING has steadfastly implemented Xi Jinping Thought on ecological civilization. Committed to the objective of “world-class and leading in China”, it has proactively enforced the national strategy to achieve the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals and has intensified a suite of initiatives, which are aimed at driving the high-quality advancement of subsequent projects within the demonstration zone, while systematically advancing the elimination of the remaining 3.8% of carbon emissions within the zone.

Over the past year, COSCO SHIPPING has made comprehensive strides in its electrification efforts by replacing all traditional fuel-powered vehicles with electric tourist shuttles, transitioning fuel-powered golf course lawn equipment into electric ones, and actively advancing the adoption of electric boats along with the upgrading of corresponding docking facilities. These measures have successfully eradicated the use of fuel-powered machinery and equipment on the island. It has also optimized and upgraded the sewage disposal system by investing 27 million yuan in the construction of a efficient, advanced and intelligent sewage treatment station. Utilizing cutting-edge FMBR patented technology and a PLC automatic control system, this station boasts a daily processing capacity of 2,000 cubic meters and enables real-time online monitoring. To further bolster green transportation, COSCO SHIPPING has acquired 34 new energy vehicles for circulation around Dongyu Island. These vehicles have the capacity to transport up to 1,200 passengers per hour, satisfying the daily commuting demands for over 2,000 people traveling to and from the island. This initiative ensures a seamless and eco-friendly travel experience for all people on the island.

Currently, the consulting and evaluation team from Tsinghua University, along with the zero-carbon certification body China Environmental United Certification Center Co., Ltd., is conducting research on carbon management accounting and zero-carbon certification. The greenhouse gas emissions lifecycle—emission, reduction, and offset—within the demonstration zone has been assessed. Any remaining emissions have been counterbalanced through the acquisition of internationally acknowledged high-quality carbon sinks. Consequently, the certification body has issued a greenhouse gas emission verification statement, confirming a total reduction of 11,198 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent for the year 2024. On March 21, 2025, the Boao Zero Carbon Demonstration Zone Working Group officially decided to rename the “Boao Near-Zero Carbon Demonstration Zone” to the “Boao Zero-Carbon Demonstration Zone.”

The successful establishment of the Boao Zero-Carbon Demonstration Zone has forged a pioneering Chinese model for green transformation. It demonstrates that the concurrent development of the Hainan Free Trade Port and ecological conservation is feasible, injecting Chinese insights and offering Chinese solutions in pursuit of the global goal of carbon neutrality. Moving forward, COSCO SHIPPING will adhere to the “Boao Standard” and leverage Dongyu Island’s core strengths within the Boao Zero-Carbon Demonstration Zone. It will further integrate premium resources, persistently innovating new models for special events and exhibitions, such as “zero-carbon + resort” and “zero-carbon + conferences.” This will support the promotion and application of the zero-carbon “Boao Standard” across the whole Hainan Island, with the aim of constructing a new era of zero-carbon economy in the province. In an effort to augment the international standing of the Boao Zero-Carbon Demonstration Zone, COSCO SHIPPING is committed to bolstering Hainan’s pursuit of becoming a pilot zone for the Beautiful China Initiative, and to establish a benchmark for green and low-carbon development.