Shantou port's container volume up 13.6pc to 1.25 million TEU in 2012

SHANTOU Port's container throughput grew 13.6 per cent year on year to 1.25 million TEU in 2012, while overall tonnage went up 13.9 per cent to 45.63 million tonnes, both increases surpassing the national growth rate and that of Guangdong province, Xinhua reports.

In recent years, Shantou sought ways to attract more shippers and more carriers to launch new services. It has accelerated the construction of infrastructure and development of its Guang'ao and Haimen port area. Last year, there were two 50,000-tonne container berth and a 50,000-tonne navigation channel became operational in the Guang'ao port area. While at the Haimen port area, a 150,000-tonne and a 70,000-tonne coal berth as well as a 100,000-tonne navigational channel opened.

This year, Shantou will start construction on a 100,000-tonne container terminal and a 20,000-tonne petroleum terminal. During the period from 2011 to 2015, Shantou plans to spend CNY10 billion (US$1.61 billion) on port projects to cement its status as one of the major ports in China and one of the hub ports in Guangdong.