New technologies including big data and artificial intelligence are making maritime management across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area more accurate and efficient, supporting efforts to improve border security, law enforcement and marine governance.

At the Huangpu Border Inspection Station in Guangzhou, a vessel verification system uses real-time information on vessel locations, radar movement tracks and declarations to assess risks. A maritime analysis system launched in 2023 integrates data, analytical models and operational tactics, helping authorities monitor conditions at sea and respond more effectively.

The technology has supported efforts to combat maritime smuggling and illegal immigration, with the station recently cracking 28 cases, seizing 30 vessels and confiscating more than one million cartons of smuggled cigarettes and over 5 tons of narcotics.

Across Guangdong, smart technologies are also being used to tackle illegal fishing, protect submarine cables and strengthen fishing vessel safety management.

At the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, intelligent inspection equipment uses non-invasive scanning to improve the speed and accuracy of customs checks.

Guangdong, China's first pilot province for smart border and coastal defence, now has intelligent monitoring covering all 14 coastal cities and 4,084 kilometres of coastline.