Fujian's seaport container throughput up 10.6pc to 10.73 million TEU

SEAPORTS in southeastern Fujian province posted a year-on-year increase of 10.6 per cent in its container volume to 10.73 million TEU in 2012 despite shrinking overseas demand and slower domestic growth, reports Xinhua.

In order to support development of the port and shipping industry, the province initiated measures to assist local companies in May. In September, provincial authorities restated its aim to developing Xiamen as southeast China's international shipping hub and pledged support to relevant industries.

Port of Xiamen, across from Taiwan, strengthened cooperation with Fuzhou and Shantou on feeder services and launched a new feeder line to Dongshan. It also introduced measures to encourage container transshipments. In the past year, Xiamen handled 7.2 million TEU, up 11.4 per cent year on year.

Fuzhou has also introduced preferential measures and subsidies for port operators and carriers to encourage near-sea and ocean shipping development. Last year, Fuzhou's container throughput increased 9.9 per cent to 1.83 million TEU year on year.

This year, Fuzhou will focus on turning Xiamen into southeast China's international shipping centre and speed the number of navigational projects at Sanduao, Pingtan, Meizhou Bay, Quanzhou Bay, Xiamen Bay and Gulei. The province's collective box throughput is estimated to reach 11.2 million TEU by year end while overall cargo volume is expected to reach 450 million tonnes.