China’s innovative maritime credit management system: institutional logic, practical effectiveness, and future prospects

The maritime credit management system, a novel endeavor in China’s maritime governance, serves as the nexus between the social credit system and maritime governance system. This study examines the institutional logic and operational framework of the system through historical research, normative analysis of the recent regulatory provisions, and comparative study with existing international and domestic maritime frameworks. As a soft law mechanism, the credit evaluation results of the system do not inherently impose coercive liabilities on credit subjects. However, cross-departmental sharing of credit ratings among stakeholders, coupled with implementation of joint reward and punishment measures, impacts credit subjects. The system synthesizes pluralistic governance bodies and regulatory tools, enhancing maritime safety, administrative efficiency, and financing for small and medium-sized shipping enterprises. Nevertheless, optimization is possible, particularly regarding incentive mechanisms for honesty and objection procedures for credit evaluations. As a new governance tool, the maritime credit management system offers a new paradigm for reforming global maritime governance models, with substantial value and potential for international application.