TIANJIN has set a port throughput target of 13 million TEU and 500 million tonnes in overall cargo this year, said Tianjin Port Group spokesman Zhang Liyi.
The port also aims to achieve a revenue of CNY28 billion (US$4.52 billion) this year and has planned to raise CNY13.5 billion fixed asset investment. Some CNY12.8 billion has been earmarked for infrastructure.
Dredging a 300,000-tonne navigational channel to 22 metres over 35 kilometres will be the year's main infrastructure job. After completion, 18,000-TEU or 300,000-tonne ships can sail in both directions at the same time.
The project is a mark of Tianjin's development towards a port with deeper water and will bring the port's function into better play, said Mr Zhang.
This year, Tianjin will separate its port areas into three sections, north, south and central, according to function. The northern cluster will be used for cargo handling and cruisers. The central cluster will be a heavy machinery and energy production and transportation base. The southern cluster will be used for petroleum and chemicals.
By 2017, the port aims to raise its throughput to 20 million TEU and 600 million tonnes in overall cargo.
Besides, cargo handling, Tianjin will also develop services such as ship leasing, trade settlement, international procurement, shipping financing and offshore finance services, in preparation of free port status.