On October 14, representatives from the Guangxi Xijiang Development Investment Group Co., Ltd. (referred to as Xijiang Group) highlighted significant gains in operational efficiency at the Chang Zhou Ship Lock. Thanks to a combination of favorable water conditions and improved management effectiveness, the group saw a remarkable 22.78% year-on-year increase in cargo throughput, reaching a record high of 169 million tons in the first three quarters of this year.
As we enter the “golden September and silver October” period, the Chang Zhou Ship Lock, often dubbed the “maritime fortress” linking Guangxi to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, is experiencing a surge in cargo transport. Vessels loaded with various goods are actively navigating the waterways, creating a scene of bustling activity.
The Xijiang Group has capitalized on advantageous conditions this year, conducting timely repairs and maintenance on the water supply valves of the Chang Zhou Ship Lock. This proactive approach is expected to enhance efficiency as the dry winter season approaches. Additionally, the group has strengthened coordination with departments like transportation, port operations, and maritime affairs to optimize ship scheduling and improve overall service quality based on real-time conditions such as the number of waiting vessels and water levels.
Another innovative step taken by Xijiang Group is the implementation of a blockchain-based project called the “Western Land-Sea New Corridor ‘Port-Shipping-Lock’ Information Linkage Application.” This initiative has streamlined processes by digitizing data communication and significantly reducing the cumbersome paperwork and communication costs associated with traditional methods. The result is an impressive enhancement in data accuracy and the overall efficiency of operations along the Xijiang Golden Waterway.
Recently, the launch of a new container route from “Yulin Beiliu to Wuzhou Chishui Port and on to Bangkok, Thailand” has not only lowered logistics costs for businesses by about 10% but also opened up new avenues for Guangxi’s foreign trade enterprises to access Southeast Asian markets.
With the ongoing development of the Xijiang Golden Waterway, the completion of the 3,000-ton navigation channel project from Guigang to Wuzhou, and the consistent increase in cargo throughput at the Chang Zhou Ship Lock, the group anticipates the annual cargo volume to exceed 200 million tons this year.
According to statistics released by Xijiang Group, as of September 30, 2023, the combined throughput for the Xijiang’s coordinated dispatch at ship locks reached 369 million tons, reflecting an 18.24% increase compared to last year. The substantial growth in throughput positions the Xijiang Golden Waterway as a critical strategic corridor for enhancing connectivity within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
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