The port city of Xiamen in Fujian province recently set a new record as its ship capacity exceeded 5 million deadweight tons, a 20 percent year-on-year increase.

This achievement is largely due to Xiamen Port's efforts in overcoming operational challenges, expanding market presence, and enhancing service support. Measures have also been taken to attract reputable shipping companies, strengthen local shipping capabilities, and bolster the fleet.

According to official data, Xiamen's shipping industry was ranked top in the province as of the end of May with 92 domestic waterway freight companies, a 15 percent increase compared to the previous year. There were also 288 cargo vessels with a combined capacity of 5.04 million deadweight tons, a 20 percent year-on-year growth.

Additionally, there were 13 waterway passenger transportation companies operating 85 passenger ships with 19,600 passenger seats.

Xiamen Port's strategic initiatives to collaborate with renowned domestic enterprises have yielded positive results. Both Anhui-based Jiuhua Ship Services Co and Tianjin Changming Shipping Group Co have established operations in Xiamen. Over the past six months, they operated a total of six vessels with a combined capacity of 450,000 deadweight tons.

The implementation of measures outlined in the action plan for accelerating the development of waterway transportation business in Xiamen in January has further propelled the growth in ship capacity, optimized its structure, and boosted waterway transportation turnover in the city. The plan includes incentives for registered waterway transportation companies to increase vessel capacity and improve vessel turnover efficiency.

"With more partners registering and operating at Xiamen Port, enterprises are experiencing improvements in scale, structure, and market competitiveness," said an official from Xiamen Port's waterway transportation command center.

Authorities said that Xiamen will aim to attract more vessels and shipping companies from other regions while nurturing local leading and backbone enterprises in the shipping industry.

A ship loading cargo at the Xiamen Port. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]