Jiangsu’s investment into ports and channels up 3.9% in Q1

2023-04-18 15:59:00

Jiangsu’s investment into port and channel construction totaled 5.25 billion yuan in the first quarter, a year-on-year increase of 3.9%, as the province accelerates efforts to build a strong waterway transportation network.

Zhu Yong, head of the port management office in the province’s Department of Transport, said currently construction projects at the Grand Canal, the Yangtze River and sea ports are all picking up, with 4.14 billion yuan invested in ports in the first three months. In Lianyungang Port, the second phase of a channel for 300,000-ton ships is in full swing to dredge 180 million cubic meters of materials by the end of this year. In Taizhou Port, an international logistics hub with two berths for 100,000-ton bulk carriers will be built by 2024, with an annual capacity of 13.6 million tons.

In March, Jiangsu issued an outline to speed up construction of a modern waterway transport network that will feature large outreach, high standards, smooth connections and better efficiency.

For the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the Jiangsu section stands out for the best navigation condition, the largest shipping volume and the most significant socio-economic benefits. To keep this transport channel in good condition, the Department of Transport held an expert consultation meeting on April 11 for the planned expansion of Jianbi Locks, a key link between the canal and the Yangtze River. The renovation project is expected to launch this year.

At present, Jiangsu has 22 waterway projects as well as 57 ports and public infrastructure projects under construction. The province plans to complete an investment of 18.2 billion yuan this year for waterway transport network, an increase of 12% year-on-year. This includes adding 10 berths for 10,000-ton ships, start the building of 18 ports and channel projects, and completing 16 ports and channel projects.