Based on the information from the shipping management system (VTS) and the statistical data on the Yangtze River cargo transport from the Ministry of Transport,this paper analyzes the operating conditions and characteristics of the 12.5 m navigation channel,and discusses the strategy and suggestion on alleviating the navigable pressure of the deepwater channel.The research shows that the Yangtze estuary waterway cargo’s throughput achieves a rapid growth and the trend of “heavy in-light out” is more obvious.The ship operation organization changes to a certain extent,and the trend of ship enlargement becomes obvious.Especially,the number of over control type ship (the width is over 45 m) grows up sharply,and the bidirectional navigation ability of the 12.5 m main channel is insufficient.For relieving the navigation pressure of the Yangtze estuary deepwater channel in the current and next period of time,the execution pace of the Yangtze estuary waterway system construction should be accelerated,and the research on the feasibility of main channel’s broadening of the Yangtze estuary is strengthened in time.