Yingkou Port, a major harbor in Northeast China, has recorded cargo throughput of 100 million tons this year, the Yingkou Port Group Corp said yesterday.

The throughput estimate for the whole year is 120 million tons, 25 million tons up on last year. Container turnover will reach 1.3 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) this year, up 300,000 TEUs on last year, according to Gao Baoyu, president of Yingkou Port.

"The fast expansion of Yingkou Port is the result of rejuvenation in Northeast China. We're focusing on providing convenience for cities and companies here and striving to build an international shipping, distribution and delivery hub in the future," he said.

Located in the Bohai Bay and close to major cities in Northeast China and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the port has seen a rapid increase in cargo transport in recent years, connecting to more than 140 ports in the world.

In the past three years, its transport capacity has jumped from 59 million tons in 2004 to a record 94.8 million tons last year, port sources said.

The port covers old industrial cities like Shenyang, Fushun, Liaoyang, Benxi and Anshan.

"Inland cities like Shenyang are vital for the development of Yingkou Port. Their revival provides a solid foundation," Gao said. He added Yingkou Port will develop according to the needs of local firms.

Angang Steel, one of the nation's top steelmakers, is setting up another production base in Yingkou. Industry insiders said the port is negotiating with the company to set up a berth.

"All this will help drive the port to be one of the busiest in China. And the upgrade of the port will in turn speed up the region's development," said Wang Jie, vice-mayor of Yingkou.

(China Daily October 9, 2007)