Zhuhai Port seen as world leader in growth potential

Zhuhai Port is rated 7th among the World's Most Promising Container Ports in the Global Port Development Report 2018 recently released by the Shanghai International Shipping Institute (SISI).

The international maritime consultation and research institute scored the World's Top 100 Container Ports evaluated by Lloyd's List in 2017 based on three indexes: appeal to cargo sources, investment, and natural conditions. Zhuhai placed third of six Chinese entries with a score of 85.83.

In recent years, container throughput has surged at the port due to historic opportunities induced by the Belt & Road Initiative, Pearl River-Xijiang River Economic Belt, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

Busy Zhuhai port [Photo by Li Jianshu / Zhuhai Daily]

Riding the wave, Zhuhai Port Holdings Group has constantly improved port infrastructure. A 150,000-dwt sea channel came under construction in the Gaolan Port Economic Zone in late 2013 and passed acceptance earlier this year. It is now one of the most heavyweight sea passages in the Pearl River Delta, and opens the way for construction of 200,000-dwt sea channels.

This year, the container throughput of Zhuhai Port Holdings Group is expected to exceed 3 million TEUs. The company will further optimize its shipping route layout, emphasizing areas along the Xijiang River and rail lines, and beyond the Pearl River Delta, according to Chairman Ou Huisheng.

Meanwhile, more multi-modal transport channels will be established to tap into the market in Southwest China, Western Guangdong, and Southern Hunan. Logistics channels to Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Latin America will be developed as well. Targeting to make Zhuhai Port an international hub in South China, the group will build up a logistics network with Zhuhai Port envisioned as a bridgehead connecting Southwest China with Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao, and Southeast and South Asia.