China upgrades water transport regulations

Changes to China's domestic water transport regulations were introduced on Monday in order to promote the healthy development of the water transportation sector.

Set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2013, the regulations will replace a former version of an administrative rule introduced by the State Council, or China's cabinet, on May 12, 1987.

Premier Wen Jiabao has issued an order to post the regulations after they were adopted by an executive meeting of the State Council, according to a statement issued Monday by the central government.

The regulations feature requirements for qualified water transport business operators in terms of vessel capacity, crew qualifications and safety control rules for their vessels.

They also include certain specific circumstances under which government control measures will be introduced to ensure safe water transportation and protect market order.