A 130,000-dwt bulk cargo vessel laden with 122,000 tons of mineral powder pulled into Tianjin Harbor Thursday, starting the operation of an expanded navigation channel in the harbor.
Construction of the 100,000-dwt-channel's first phase began on August 22,2000 at a cost of 183 million yuan.
The operation of the channel indicates that Tianjin has become a multi-function and modern deep-water harbor accommodating ships with 100,000 dwt or above, said a harbor official.
Tianjin has built two specialized berths and upgraded five deep- water berths since 1999. Transformation of another four specialized container berths will soon be started.
(People's Daily 09/14/2001)
