China is seeking to raise the operational efficiency of its inland shipping fleet following the release of a new set of regulations touching on domestic shipping transportation.

The ministry of transport announced on Wednesday that the new regulations will be effective from 1 April 2015.

The regulations seek to promote a healthy development of the sector mainly by optimising the inland shipping fleet, encouraging companies to invest in sharper technology and raising energy efficiency.

The government will also offer subsidies to encourage the use of better technology on newbuildings and the scrapping of older tonnages.