THE first phase of Dachan Bay container terminal in Shenzhen opened to vessels on December 21 with the inauguration of two new berths.

Dachan Bay Terminal One, located in western Shenzhen, is a jointly operated by Modern Terminals and Shenzhen Dachan Bay Port Investment and Development Co.

Modern Terminals holds 65 per cent share in the terminal while its partner holds the remaining 35 per cent.

At the opening ceremony, Peter Kwong Ching Woo, chairman of Modern Terminals' parent company Wharf Holdings, said the other three berths of Dachan Bay Terminal One would be ready in 2008.

The 112-hectare Dachan Bay Terminal One includes five berths with a quay length of 1,830 metres and draught of 15.5 metres.

Draught of the terminal quay will be dredged to 18 metres, deep enough to accommodate the largest container vessels.