Ningbo-Zhoushan Port: Oriental Seaport with Remarkable Potential

Journalist: What is the role of Zhoushan Port in the process of becoming one Port with Ningbo Port?
Fu Liangguo: The process of becoming one port between Zhoushan and Ningbo speeds up, and it reflects in the following aspects. The first aspect is the collaboration for strategic planning. In the past, it was not so clear about various functions of Zhoushan and Ningbo ports, and there was overlapped project development between the two ports, creating waste of resources. After the collaboration between two ports, function and market positioning for each port are clarified. As a result, overlapped development in near future will be prevented. Meanwhile, the new collaboration plan also creates a solid foundation for future development of Zhoushan Port.

The second aspect is brand. We used to be known as Zhoushan Port and Ningbo Port as two different brands, and each has its own brand awareness in the market. Sometimes it may have distinct brand personality. However, now both ports come together to form one port called as ‘Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. It will also combine two brands, and increase brand awareness for both ports. Meanwhile, once two brands come together, it eliminates conflicted brand personality, and is helpful to create one strong and consistent brand in the market.

The third aspect is marketing operation. As the collaboration process moves forward, it will be very helpful for comprehensive development for both ports. Over recent years, both ports have implemented multiple marketing development strategies. Sometimes, the business objective is not so consistent and clear, as a result it affects development efficiency. After becoming one port 'Ningbo-Zhoushan Port', a consistent and comprehensive strategic plan will be implemented, which will accelerate overall development process.

Journalist: As we know, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port is constructing Jintang Dapukou terminal, and it is one the most important projects in the collaboration process. How is it going with this project?
Fu Liangguo: The construction of Jintang Dapukou terminal is the first project in the collaboration process. So far, the first two berths in the first phase have been finished, and will start operation in late Nov. 2009. Moreover, the remaining three berths will be constructed right now, and we will accelerate the process. Dapukou terminal are having five berths in total, and maximum annual capacity is 2.5 million TEU. 

We believe after the operation of first two berths in the first phase, the remaining three berths in the second phase will be finished soon. Based on the original plan, we will complete the other three berths by the end of 2014. We should say, the process is now developing very well. And it creates a solid foundation for the collaboration between two ports.

Journalist: Now we are in an unstable market, where the market is recovering from crisis. What conditions do Ningbo-Zhoushan Port have for its further plan?  
Fu Liangguo: We have our obvious conditions and resources. We have a total of 280 kilometers of deep-water lines, among which over 160 kilometers are under 10-meter depth. Until now, few ports in China, even in the world, can be compared with Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in water depth. Secondly, Zhoushan is located in the middle of China’s golden coastal line in south-north direction and is at the sea mouth for Yangtze River, Qiantang River and Yong River. Thirdly, we have a favorable regional advantage and a good water transport condition. As we know, Yangtze River is one of the most developed economic zones in the world. Fourthly, We have efficient shipping routes. We can accommodate 300000 DWT vessels. These advantages enable Zhoushan Port to have great development potentials despite the fact that container and bulk transport of Zhoushan Port is reduced due to financial crisis.    

Journalist: What will Ningbo-Zhoushan Port do in recovery of its container and bulk cargo throughput? 
　
Fu Liangguo: We will attach equal importance to container and bulk cargo transport. According to our general plan, we have Jintang port area and Liuheng port area as container areas with the actual container throughput of 20 million TEUs, which can meet Zhoushan’s container service in a near future. In the other hand, we will continue to give full play to the three advantages of Zhoushan Port as mentioned just now to further develop Zhoushan Port’s role of international large dry and bulk cargo transshipment center. There is another point which is more important, Zhoushan Port’s construction cost is low thanks to a short distance between Zhoushan hinterland and deep-water line. We welcome investors from China and abroad to visit Zhoushan Port to learn our advantages and to seek common development.
Ningbo port and Zhoushan Port are in the same sea region and enjoy the same shipping routes, anchorages and hinterlands. The two ports were divided in port construction, operation and administration due to its locations in different regions.

On Jan. 1, 2006, Ningbo Port and Zhoushan Port are officially emerged with the new name “Ningbo-Zhoushan Port”. This emerging creates a new milestone and the name of “Ningbo-Zhoushan Port” has attracted worldwide attention. Since then, Nongbo-Zhoushan Port began to participate world shipping competition with its integrated advantages as a great oriental port.