Zhuanghe Port launches pilot scheme

The Zhuanghe Port of Dalian in the northeast China's Liaoning province has opened up three 10,000-ton berths in a pilot scheme.

Around 3.35 million tons will eventually go through the new docks, which is part of the Belt and Road Initiative, and will handle goods to and from South Korea and Japan.

"Zhuanghe Port is building and expanding 13 dedicated berths in order to facilitate the transformation and upgrading of the city's existing advantageous industries," Sun Hong, Party Secretary of Zhuanghe, said.

The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by China in 2013, is a trade and infrastructure network that includes the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The network connects Asia, Europe and Africa and passes through more than 60 countries and regions with a population of about 4.4 billion.

On the northern Yellow Sea, Zhuanghe boasts a 285-kilometer long coastline and a first-class port, which started operations in 2006 with only three berths.

Under the city's developing strategy, Zhuanghe began expanding its port in 2013. Last year, annual throughput was 5.5 million tons and is expected to reach 15 million tons in five years.

When the expansion is complete, it will become a State-level import port for strategic resources such as timber, aquatic products, renewable resources and minerals.

It will also become a new gateway to the sea in the Northeast China for heavy equipment, household products and cold chain logistics.

"Zhuanghe Port is becoming a stage for the construction of China's Belt and Road Initiative," Sun said.