Shenzhen ports host conference

THROUGHPUT at Chiwan Container Terminal (CCT) and Shekou Container Terminal (SCT) in Western Shenzhen broke a new record of 6.75 million TEU last year, according to figures released by the two entities.

The two terminals hosted the 2006 Promotion Conference of Shenzhen Western Ports in the Western Pearl River Delta (PRD) last month to give a comprehensive presentation on their latest developments and future plans.

The event, held at Zhongshan's Shangri-la hotel, was attended by over 200 delegates from Midea, Thomson, Shimpo, TCL, Galanz, Sanyo, Panasonic, Gree, Canon and other major shippers, who were joined by representatives of 16 western PRD ports and 12 South China Common Feeder operators.

With China's fast growing economy and the country's booming foreign trade, new challenges are expected in the container terminal industry.

Shenzhen's western ports provide seamless container cargo shipping transport for shippers in the Pearl River delta, combining overland and water transport, a statement from organisers of the conference said.

Tapping their geographic advantages, the ports recently allied with 12 barge operators to launch the South China Common Feeder Service to create a convenient and cost-effective method of container transport. Furthermore, the newly launched PRD Network project and the as yet unborn Qianhaiwan Logistics Park will greatly improve the service quality of Shenzhen's Western ports.

CCT and SCT promise to launch more activities to enhance mutual communication with shippers. As aggressive terminal service providers, they said they will consistently create appropriate logistics projects in the PRD market and provide world-class services to shippers. They added they are devoted to constantly improving terminal service and providing customers with reliable, efficient, cost-effective and professional terminal services.