Experiences and reflections of history of navigation development of the Three Gorges/

Jia Dashan

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-1123.2024.22.011

Abstract：The Three Gorges Project has greatly improved the navigation condition of the Yangtze River and brought great benefits,with the increase of navigation level and shipping capacity of the river.The improvement in navigation conditions has resulted in a comparative advantage of the region in economic and social development and inland transportation.The volume of cargo passing through the Three Gorges Ship Lock has continued to grow since its operation.In the face of the challenges posed by the rapidly growing demand situation on navigation capacity,the navigation capacity has been enhanced continuously by perfection of infrastructures and management system reform.In the face of the problems of small tonnage,various ship sizes,and hidden safety risks and ecological environmental risks,large-scale and standardized ship construction has been boosted by policy incentives,iterative technical standard and technical advancement.Safety and green development has been ensured by strengthening anti-terrorism system and capacity building,and security management and technological innovation,and giving priority to ecology.The changes in the world,technological progress and climate change have raised higher requirements for high-quality development of navigation in the Three Gorges.Since the capacities of the Three Gorges and the Gezhouba ship locks are approaching saturation,it is suggested to further enhance the navigation capacity of the Three Gorges,implement institutional reform and policy innovation to create a better environment,maximize role of digital,new energy and ecological-sound technologies and benefits,so as to provide better service for high-quality economic and social development.