China’s international ship registration system against the backdrop of construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port

The international ship registration system is an important component of shipping policy. A review of its historical development in China reveals that its implementation has yet to achieve the intended outcomes. The construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port presents a valuable opportunity to advance...

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Main Authors: Yuanhong Shi, Yiji Shi, Hui Zhou
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-05-01
Series:Frontiers in Marine Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1573736/full
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author Yuanhong Shi
Yuanhong Shi
Yiji Shi
Yiji Shi
Hui Zhou
author_facet Yuanhong Shi
Yuanhong Shi
Yiji Shi
Yiji Shi
Hui Zhou
author_sort Yuanhong Shi
collection DOAJ
description The international ship registration system is an important component of shipping policy. A review of its historical development in China reveals that its implementation has yet to achieve the intended outcomes. The construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port presents a valuable opportunity to advance the development of this system. Based on the Theory of Change Model, this study assesses the current state of China’s international ship registration system within the context of the Hainan Free Trade Port. We also employ research methods such as SWOT analysis and comparative analysis to objectively assess the implementation of this innovative policy from both macro and micro perspectives, as well as from qualitative and quantitative angles. Our analysis identifies a range of persistent challenges, including imperfect supporting policies and insufficient regulatory oversight. In response, we propose a series of reform measures spanning legislative, judicial, and law enforcement dimensions. These include restructuring the taxation system for shipping enterprises, enhancing the regulatory framework for ship registration, and developing a robust system of ancillary services. Collectively, these reforms are essential for comprehensively strengthening the maritime soft power of China’s shipping industry.
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publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
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spelling doaj-art-c45fba261cc04b34b560de23e640cb4c2025-08-20T03:21:38ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Marine Science2296-77452025-05-011210.3389/fmars.2025.15737361573736China’s international ship registration system against the backdrop of construction of the Hainan Free Trade PortYuanhong Shi0Yuanhong Shi1Yiji Shi2Yiji Shi3Hui Zhou4International Law School, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, ChinaLaw School, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United StatesLaw School, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United StatesLaw School, University of Zurich, Zurich, SwitzerlandDepartment of Mathematics, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United StatesThe international ship registration system is an important component of shipping policy. A review of its historical development in China reveals that its implementation has yet to achieve the intended outcomes. The construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port presents a valuable opportunity to advance the development of this system. Based on the Theory of Change Model, this study assesses the current state of China’s international ship registration system within the context of the Hainan Free Trade Port. We also employ research methods such as SWOT analysis and comparative analysis to objectively assess the implementation of this innovative policy from both macro and micro perspectives, as well as from qualitative and quantitative angles. Our analysis identifies a range of persistent challenges, including imperfect supporting policies and insufficient regulatory oversight. In response, we propose a series of reform measures spanning legislative, judicial, and law enforcement dimensions. These include restructuring the taxation system for shipping enterprises, enhancing the regulatory framework for ship registration, and developing a robust system of ancillary services. Collectively, these reforms are essential for comprehensively strengthening the maritime soft power of China’s shipping industry.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1573736/fullHainan Free Trade Portship registrationthe rule of lawinstitutional innovationsupervision mechanism
spellingShingle Yuanhong Shi
Yuanhong Shi
Yiji Shi
Yiji Shi
Hui Zhou
China’s international ship registration system against the backdrop of construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port
Frontiers in Marine Science
Hainan Free Trade Port
ship registration
the rule of law
institutional innovation
supervision mechanism
title China’s international ship registration system against the backdrop of construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port
title_full China’s international ship registration system against the backdrop of construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port
title_fullStr China’s international ship registration system against the backdrop of construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port
title_full_unstemmed China’s international ship registration system against the backdrop of construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port
title_short China’s international ship registration system against the backdrop of construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port
title_sort china s international ship registration system against the backdrop of construction of the hainan free trade port
topic Hainan Free Trade Port
ship registration
the rule of law
institutional innovation
supervision mechanism
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1573736/full
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