Shenzhen ports have reported a 43 per cent year-on-year surge in container throughput in the first five months of this year, continuing the growth trend from last year.
The four major ports handled 3.73 million 20-ft equivalent units (teu) from January to May, according to the Shenzhen Municipal Port Bureau.
'Container throughput in May was 821,500 teu, a historic high for a single month,' bureau director Zhou Tianlin said.
'The result was better than expected. I guess some cargo that was delayed in April [because of the Sars outbreak] was shipped in May.
'The peak season started last month. The throughput figure would be even higher if there was no impact from Sars.'
Hutchison Whampoa's Yantian port in eastern Shenzhen remained the busiest terminal, handling 1.9 million boxes in the first five months, up 32.93 per cent.
Shekou Container Terminal in Shenzhen West, held by China Merchants Holdings and Wharf (Holdings), reported the highest throughput growth - up 79.94 per cent to 506,100 teu.