Ariel view of Yangkou Port in Nantong. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

According to the municipal government work report, Nantong has set its sights on accelerating the construction of a modern marine industry system and striving to break through the industry's 1 trillion yuan ($136.42 billion) scale this year.

Efforts are being made to establish itself into a leading area for high-quality development of the marine industry in the province. Last year, Nantong formulated spatial and industrial plans for coastal areas, published 12 related measures, introduced research institutes from Southeast University and Harbin Engineering University, and signed contracts for 78 key projects.

The short branch channel of the Dayang Port along Tonglyu Canal has been completed for navigation, achieving breakthroughs in coastal rail-water transportation and container long-haul routes. The Shanghai Port empty container transfer Nantong sub-center was established, and a 33 percent growth in container throughput was made at Nantong Port last year.

To strengthen the marine industry cluster, Nantong is set to focus on building the capital of marine equipment, a blue ocean of advanced materials, and a green island of new energy. It is poised to concentrate on and strengthen two supporting industries, shipping logistics and marine information technology services, and build a strong ship and marine engineering service agglomeration area.

The city is projected to refine and specialize in two upgrading industries, marine fisheries and cultural tourism, accelerate the construction of provincial-level fishing port economic zones and marine ranches, and promote low-altitude economic applications such as offshore sightseeing. Additionally, the layout aims to identify and promote forward-looking industries such as marine biomedicine and zero-carbon emissions. Special funds dedicated to marine economic development will be established, and efforts to attract investments in the marine sector will be enhanced. The objective is to finalize contracts for 120 key projects.