- Ultra-large container ship completes first transit after channel expansion.
- New route supports 200,000-tonne class container vessels.
- Additional capacity eases pressure on existing navigation channels.
The ultra-large container ship Zhonghai Global has made history by successfully navigating the newly expanded Tiaozhumeng Channel and docking at Meishan International Terminal berth 7 in Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. This event marks the first operation of its kind since the channel expansion project was completed, reports Port News.
Vessel and Transit Details
This impressive vessel, one of the largest container ships globally, stretches 400 meters long and boasts a deadweight tonnage of over 184,000 tonnes. The trip from the open sea to the berth took about three hours and involved several operational checkpoints to ensure the construction quality and navigational safety along the newly expanded channel.
Strategic Importance of the Tiaozhumeng Channel
Nestled between Xiashi Island and Liuheng Island, the Tiaozhumeng Channel provides a direct link to the port’s main operational area. It serves as an alternative access route for very large vessels, enhancing the diversity and resilience of port navigation options.
Expansion Scope and Investment
Originally designed for 150,000-tonne class ships, the channel has undergone significant expansion, with a total investment of approximately RMB 8.9 billion (around USD 1.26 billion). This upgrade allows for the handling of 200,000-tonne class container ships and facilitates the tide-based entry and exit of 300,000-tonne oil tankers.
Capacity Gains and Port Development
The new channel is anticipated to increase the transit capacity for ultra-large vessels by over 50%, helping to alleviate congestion on existing routes. This development is also expected to bolster Ningbo-Zhoushan Port’s role in bulk cargo and international container transport while fostering growth in the surrounding port areas.
Port Management
Ningbo-Zhoushan Port is managed by the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port Group and ranks among the busiest seaports in the world based on cargo throughput.
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Source: Port News
