Zhangwan operation area of the Sandu'ao Port zone, Ningde. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Ningde Port reached a historic milestone on Dec 24, as its cumulative annual cargo throughput surpassed 100 million metric tons for the first time. The threshold was crossed following container loading operations at the Zhangwan operation area of the Sandu'ao Port zone, marking the facility's transition into a major regional logistics hub.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Ningde Port has seen its handling capacity increase by 67 percent to 50.32 million tons, driven by the expansion of its deepwater infrastructure. The recent commissioning of the 150,000-ton Zhangwan No 21 berth addressed a long-standing shortage of large-scale deepwater facilities in the region.

The port's growth is inextricably linked to Ningde's four primary industrial pillars: lithium-ion batteries, new energy vehicles, stainless steel, and copper materials. In 2024, these sectors alone contributed 29.3 million tons of cargo and 48,500 containers, accounting for over 35 percent of the port's total throughput.

Ningde plans to further integrate the Sandu'ao, Baima, Shacheng port zones, and the Sansha port site to streamline supply chains. By upgrading shipping channels and digital infrastructure, Ningde aims to establish a smart and green maritime gateway, strengthening its position along China's southeastern coast and securing its role in the global industrial network.