Ningbo rolls out series of seafarer-friendly services

[Video/Yongpai app]

Ningbo is rolling out a range of new services for international seafarers, making it easier for crews to leave the port, access city amenities, and experience the local culture during their stay.

For many mariners, limited shore time, complex procedures, and unfamiliar surroundings can make visits to port cities difficult. To address these challenges, maritime, customs, and immigration authorities in Ningbo have introduced coordinated measures aimed at simplifying shore leave and improving the overall port-call experience.

A new multilingual digital platform allows seafarers to check shore-leave requirements, arrange transportation, access port information, and use electronic credentials through a single mobile interface. Available in 18 languages, the platform has attracted more than 9,000 registered users, while measures aimed at enhancing user convenience have already been implemented across 145 berths at 39 terminals.

The city has also expanded transportation links between port areas and urban destinations, helping crews make better use of their limited time ashore. Dedicated shuttle services now connect major terminals with shopping, leisure, and cultural attractions.

Responding to feedback from visiting crews, Ningbo recently opened an International Seafarers Shopping Center in Beilun, a district that hosts much of the city's port activity. The facility offers everyday essentials, local specialty products, multilingual assistance, and dedicated checkout lanes designed to streamline purchases for time-constrained crews.

Beyond shopping and logistics, Ningbo is also introducing cultural experiences tailored to visiting seafarers. Short excursions allow crews to explore traditional villages, sample local food, and participate in heritage activities, offering a closer look at the culture of one of China's leading port cities.