Shanghai’s legislative authorities have approved a new set of regulations designed to support the structured development of the city’s cruise sector and provide a formal legal basis for its continued expansion. The measures were adopted by the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress and are scheduled to enter into force on March 1st, 2026.
The regulations comprise 27 articles addressing multiple aspects of cruise industry operations and infrastructure. Among the provisions is the introduction of pilot operations for so-called “cruises to nowhere,” under which international cruise ships will be permitted to depart from and return to Shanghai while operating within designated waters, without calling at intermediate ports.
The framework also places emphasis on upgrading port infrastructure and services. It calls for the accelerated installation and improvement of shore power systems and encourages cruise vessels using Shanghai as a home port to connect to these facilities. In parallel, the regulations support the adoption of alternative fuels and emerging energy technologies as part of broader efforts to reduce environmental impact.
In addition, the measures seek to strengthen the competitiveness of the cruise industry as a whole by promoting closer integration between port operations and the surrounding urban environment. This includes encouraging the development of cultural, tourism, commercial, sporting, and exhibition activities in waterfront districts and port-adjacent areas, with the aim of creating a more cohesive port-city relationship.
Shanghai’s role in China’s cruise market has expanded significantly over the past two decades. Between 2006 and 2025, the city hosted more than 3,500 cruise ship calls and handled over 18 million passengers, representing more than 60% of the national cruise market. The city now operates Asia’s largest cruise home port and ranks as the fourth-busiest globally, positioning it as a central hub for cruise operations in the region under the new regulatory framework.