Ningbo`s September volume up 9.4pc - tops first million TEU

THE Port of Ningbo handled 1.05 million TEU in September, increasing volume 9.4 per cent year on year - and surpassing the million TEU mark for the first time, Logistics Week reported.
Ningbo Port Group director Li Linghong said this year, the port`s container volume, relying heavily on export, has suffered sharp increase due to downturn. The port recorded a year on year decrease of 10.5 per cent in its box volume during the first half of year, but it then recovered in July.
Mr Li said it would be ideal if the port`s container throughput could reach 10 million TEU by the end of December in view of this year`s performance.
From January to August, the port lifted 6.5 million TEU, down 8.2 per cent year on year.
To stop a cargo slide, the port has sought wider cooperation with freight forwarders. There have been 27 shipping lines launched at the port this year, raising the total of lines operating to 216, 114 are ocean shipping routes. The port has more than 900 vessels call every month, hitting a new record in September by reaching 952.