China aims for leap in technology in maritime sector

China is beefing up its ability in developing ocean engineering and maritime information services, two industry watchdogs said on Thursday.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology signed an agreement with the State Oceanic Administration, pledging deeper cooperation in making advanced equipment and technologies used in fishing, maritime logistics and oil exploration.

Wang Hong, director of the administration, said the cooperation will boost China's ability in using ocean resources and in protecting maritime interests.

The country has already built an array of technologically advanced oil rigs and ships in the past years.

China is aiming for a 40 percent global market share by 2020 for home-built ships used in special operations such as scientific research and under-ocean cable construction, according to a document from the ministry.

Miao Wei, minister of the MIIT, said China needs to become a stronger research and development power to feed increasing demand for high-end equipment used in the ocean.

"As the country sets out into the ocean, we have to find ways to build machines suitable for the tasks," Miao said.