Cruise control brings Bund closer to tourists

By Miao Qing (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-07-27 16:52

"It will become an important information platform for shipping businesses," said Xu Minggang, vice-director of the media department for the Hongkou District People's Government. "It will become a control centre for cargo and passengers flowing through Waigaoqiao Port, Yangshan Deep Water Port, the new international passenger terminal and others.

"Now we are hoping more international shipping giants will move their headquarters to the North Bund in Shanghai."

The Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal has recently begun trial operations, although it is not yet completed. A 1000-passenger Italian cruise liner became the first vessel to dock at the new terminal and started to make regular trips starting at the new terminal from July 3. Also, thousands of Chinese tourists embarked on a five-day round trip to Japan and South Korea.

The voyage indicated that Shanghai has for the first time become a home port for international cruise liners.

More international shipping companies are expected to assign their luxury cruise liners for regular trips to Shanghai, or start from Shanghai, after the new cruise terminal is completed.

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