“Willow Bank” is what Yangpu District means. Now let’s talk about something even grander. We are standing before a testament to China’s global trade dominance: Yangshan Port.
Yangshan Port is not just any port. It is the world’s busiest container port. It is a crucial part of the Maritime Silk Road. Think of it as the heart of the New Silk Road.
This deep-water port allows Shanghai to manage massive cargo volumes. Shallow waters near the shore used to limit growth. Yangshan Port overcame this challenge. Berths now reach depths of up to 15 meters. The largest container ships can dock here.
The Yangshan Port’s construction is impressive. It sits on the islands of Greater and Lesser Yangshan. These islands are part of the Zhoushan archipelago. Land reclamation projects expanded the port. The Donghai Bridge connects the port to Shanghai’s Pudong New Area. This six-lane highway took over two years to build.
Yangshan Port has undergone multiple phases of expansion. The first phase opened in 2004. By 2017, the fourth phase was complete. This increased the port’s capacity significantly. The total cost to build Yangshan Port may reach US$12 billion over 20 years.
The Yangshan Deep-Water Port is also home to the largest automated container terminal. This terminal uses advanced technology. Automated vehicles and cranes move containers. This automation increases efficiency. It also reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
The intelligent production management control system is fascinating. It collects data. It sends instructions to machines. Human intervention is minimal. Highly qualified personnel oversee everything remotely.
In 2019, many major lines moved to Yangshan Port. More international companies are expected to open here. Shanghai aims to expand its free trade zone. Yangshan Port plays a key role in this expansion.
The Yangshan Phase IV has been under construction since 2014. It took three years to build the land area. The container terminal shoreline measures 2,350 meters. It can accommodate seven large deep-water berths. The terminal can handle 4 million TEUs annually in the initial stage. Eventually it can handle 6.3 million TEUs.
Yangshan Port showcases the future of ports. It combines innovation and environmental consciousness. It stands as a symbol of Shanghai’s economic power. As we conclude our visit, consider the sheer scale. Consider the ingenuity that makes Yangshan Port a global leader.