Yingkou Port, a major harbor in Northeast China, has recorded
cargo throughput of 100 million tons this year, the Yingkou Port
Group Corp said yesterday.
The throughput estimate for the whole year is 120 million tons,
25 million tons up on last year. Container turnover will reach 1.3
million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) this year, up 300,000
TEUs on last year, according to Gao Baoyu, president of Yingkou
Port.
"The fast expansion of Yingkou Port is the result of
rejuvenation in Northeast China. We're focusing on providing
convenience for cities and companies here and striving to build an
international shipping, distribution and delivery hub in the
future," he said.
Located in the Bohai Bay and close to major cities in Northeast
China and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the port has seen a
rapid increase in cargo transport in recent years, connecting to
more than 140 ports in the world.
In the past three years, its transport capacity has jumped from
59 million tons in 2004 to a record 94.8 million tons last year,
port sources said.
The port covers old industrial cities like Shenyang, Fushun,
Liaoyang, Benxi and Anshan.
"Inland cities like Shenyang are vital for the development of
Yingkou Port. Their revival provides a solid foundation," Gao said.
He added Yingkou Port will develop according to the needs of local
firms.
Angang Steel, one of the nation's top steelmakers, is setting up
another production base in Yingkou. Industry insiders said the port
is negotiating with the company to set up a berth.
"All this will help drive the port to be one of the busiest in
China. And the upgrade of the port will in turn speed up the
region's development," said Wang Jie, vice-mayor of Yingkou.
(China Daily October 9, 2007)
