The growth rate of Zhuhai Port container-throughput has surpassed that of 23 other major coastal ports in China since 2016. And in 2017, the port handled 2.27 million TEUs -- a 37.3 percent year-on-year increase.

A 15.3-percent rise in total cargo throughput to 130 million tons put it in second place with annual handling capacity of more than a hundred million tons.

Comprehensive multidimensional development based on improved infrastructure is attributed for the steady progress. It will account for even more as the port is expected to join the world's top 50 within four years.

Zhuhai Port Holdings Group operated 67 container shipping lines last year with sea-rail combined channels increasing to 15 in number. The key task of establishing the Sichuan-Guizhou-Guangdong-Southern Asia International Logistics Channel also experienced a breakthrough; construction of the first stage of Phase I of the Guizhou (Changming) International Land Port, recognized as a national demonstration project, was completed. The expansion of land-sea combined logistics channels exemplifies ambition to become a strategic Belt & Road pivot.

Gaolan Port [File photo]

Along those lines, Zhuhai International Container Terminal (Gaolan) began official operations as a designated port for fruit imports in January. Quickly and efficiently inspected were 67,809 kg of pitaya (dragon fruit) from Vietnam. Meanwhile, final approvals were granted for a major shipping lane for vessels with capacity of 50 kilotons.

Gaolan Port Shipping Container Terminal completed handover of the #2 and #3 berths to operators, an important step in its second stage of development. Toward becoming a trade hub, the port has also enhanced its ability to collect and distribute cargos. Expansion of a barge fleet over the Xijiang River and an increase in the number of routes in that area to 22 were key upgrades.

A Zhuhai Port Holdings Group executive said that multiple measures giving full play to unique geographic advantages will be taken to build a strategic fulcrum in a modern, international, green, and smart logistics network in South China.

The company's 2017-21 Development Strategy projects handling capacity of Zhuhai Port (including Gaolan and Hongwan in Jinwan and Nanping districts, plus affiliated ones in Yunfu of Guangdong and Wuzhou of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region) is to exceed 200 million tons by 2021, with throughput of 5 million TEUs.