Shanghai volume tops all China, but Ningbo-Zhoushan nips at its heels

SHANGHAI port again took the lead in cargo throughput in China in the first 10 months of 2007 by handling 407 million tons, Xinhua reported. Ningbo-Zhoushan port came second by handling 394 million tons during the 10 months. Ports in China altogether handled 4.3 billion tons in the first 10 months and 440 million tons in October alone, the report said. Ningbo-Zhoushan port handled the most cargo volume in October with 41.34 million tons, which was followed by Shanghai 40.8 million tons, the report added.

Value of China's empty boxes soared 76pc to US$514 million  

 HONG KONG, the US and Europe were the top three export markets for China's empty boxes, taking up 81.5 per cent of the total, according to China Customs, which said 70,900 TEU were exported to Hong Kong, 47,900 TEU went to the US and 36,700 TEU were EU-bound. Growing trade and thriving shipping market has spurred the export of empty containers and has led to the overcapacity of domestic container manufacturing industry. Customs suggests tightening capacity controls to encourage a wider range of products to reduce risks of over supply.

China, Europe co-operates on shipping security

CHINA and Europe have launched a programme on shipping security between the ports of Shenzhen, Felixstowe and Rotterdam , Xinhua reported. This is the first programme under the World Customs Organisation's (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade. Shenzhen's Yantian International Container Terminal, Shekou Container Terminal and Chiwan Container Terminal, as well as 10 law-abiding Chinese companies that contribute large and steady cargo volume to the route have been selected to take part in the project. Under the programme, Chinese and European customs are to strengthen inspection of exports, share data and seal containers with hi-tech Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) seals before they leave, so that cargo deemed safe are free from a second inspection when they arrive at the destination port. The two customs bureaux also plan to set up an international recognition system for enterprise quality so that law-abiding and trustworthy companies can be given easier customs clearance. An official in Shenzhen Customs said the programme doesn't charge participants fees but they must pay for security devices such as RFID seals.