THE Zhanjiang port in Guangdong, the eighth largest port in China, has embarked on a massive expansion plan to build six deep-water berths at a cost of 360 million yuan (officially HK$485.6 million).
Zhanjiang Port Authority managing director Liang Datong said the expansion, which would be funded by the central government, would boost the port's annual throughput to 30 million tonnes by the end of the century.
''The port's annual throughput is expected to reach 16 million tonnes this year,'' he said.
It recorded a throughput of 15 million tonnes last year and handled cargo valued at 300 million yuan.
The six new berths, which will handle vessels ranging from 35,000 to 50,000 tonnes, were expected to be in operation by the end of the year, Mr Liang said.
Zhanjiang has four operating terminals with are 23 berths, including 18 for vessels of more than 10,000 tonnes.
