Gaolan Port digs deep channel for cruise ships, tankers

Vessels of more than 150,000 tons will soon be able to dock at Gaolan Port instead of unloading cargo to barges now that a main channel has been dug at a cost over 1 billion yuan ($149 million).

A Guangdong provincial key project of the highest level in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), the channel passed examination on Jan 29. It is 16.25 km (10 miles) long and 230-to-290 m (754-to-951 ft) wide. It can accommodate cruise ships as well as container vessels, bulk cargo ships, and tankers, and was upgraded from one of several Gaolan Port channels that already handles 100,000-dwt ships.

Welcome to Gaolan Port [Photo by Kang Zhenhua / Zhuhai Daily]

Zhuhai Port Holdings Group began the project at the end of 2013. The Ministry of Transport subsidized it with 377 million yuan ($56 million).

Gaolan Port has recently catered to the growing cruise market with addition of larger berths, taking its throughput up to more than 100 million tons. A channel accommodating 200,000-dwt vessels will be developed to help Gaolan grow to be the most comprehensive modern multi-purpose seaport in the PRD. 

According to board chairman Ou Huisheng of Zhuhai Port Holdings Group, the port will also be equipped with the most multimodal transport system in the area.