Qingdao aims at throughput of 20 million TEU by 2015

THE Port of Qingdao has announced its target for the national 12th five-year plan period, raising its cargo throughput goal to 600 million tonnes and container to 20 million TEU.


Xinhua reports that the port also plans to turn itself into a hub in northeast Asia and into one of the world's most competitive ports from just one of world's largest ports.


To meet its target, the port will focus on the development of four major port areas, of which the largest is the Dongjiakou port area. It entails the most investment among the four port areas, which will be over CNY20 billion (US$3.1 billion).


Last year, the Port of Qingdao's throughput surpassed 350 million tonnes, ranking it fifth in China. But the port complained that its further development is restricted by its size, saying that its new and old areas cover 10.6 square kilometres, but rival neighbours have much land available. For example, The Port of Tianjin's land area will encompass 150 square kilometres by 2012, while Lianyungang will have 183 square kilometres and Rizhao, 89 square kilometres.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)