On October 22, the cargo throughput at the Changzhou Hub’s locks on the Xijiang shipping route surpassed 183 million tons, marking a 21.24% increase from the previous year and matching the total cargo volume for all of last year, according to a notice from the Pearl River Navigation Administration dated October 24. With the current growth trend, it’s projected that the cargo throughput will exceed 200 million tons by 2024.
This year has seen a strong recovery in the Pearl River waterway economy. The Pearl River Navigation Administration has been actively implementing directives from the Ministry of Transport aimed at strengthening logistics and ensuring smooth traffic. By leveraging the operational mechanisms for maintaining navigational access on the Xijiang route, the Administration is collaborating with various sectors including transportation, ports, maritime services, water management, power supply, and lock operations. This concerted effort has effectively mitigated the adverse impacts of extreme weather events and sudden changes in water conditions affecting the Pearl River Basin, ensuring that the Xijiang waterway remains safe and efficient.
The Administration has also taken the initiative to optimize the operation of locks by utilizing a joint scheduling strategy across its lock systems. By guiding operators to implement segmented anchoring and tiered scheduling, they are enhancing operational efficiency and safety during the lock passage. A points-based management system is in place to promote standardized procedures for vessels, contributing to improved lock throughput. In addition, monitoring has been intensified during peak periods to ensure the safety of cargo vessels, especially those carrying hazardous materials.
Furthermore, the Administration is expediting technical renovations at both primary and secondary locks of the Changzhou Hub, aiming to enhance navigational efficiency at this critical juncture.
What other measures do you think are essential for supporting the ongoing success of the Pearl River waterway?
