Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

A new era of cooperation between Zhuhai Port Holdings and a global-leading pulp logistics service corporation from the Netherlands began with the groundbreaking of the Gaolan Euroports Logistic Distribution Center on April 5.

Euroports describes itself as an international group offering transport and logistics solutions. Its "core service package includes terminals, transport services, freight forwarding and contract logistics." It also states on its website that the Gaolan Euroports Terminal, "located in the only deep-sea port in the Western Pearl River Delta and having excellent access with minimum deviation for carriers, will offer a prominent geographical advantage to the distribution of cargo into the Pearl River hinterland." Furthermore, it states that storage and bonded facilities, high-level handling, and services as well as first-class distribution connections by barge, road, and rail will be offered to meet the pulp and paper market expectations, as well as trans-shipment possibilities to Southeast Asia.

Groundbreaking ceremony [Photo by Zhong Fan / Zhuhai Daily]

The first phase will be two pulp warehouses of lightweight steel structure costing 50 million yuan ($7.25 million) and having floor space of 17,600 sq m. A bonded qualification certificate will be applied to secure diversified value-added services for customers. It will bring 600,000 tons of pulp unloading quantity to Gaolan Port annually upon completion by the end of this year.  

By 2020, the center will have floorage of over 80,000 sq m. It is expected to produce more than 4 million tons of additional throughput capacity to Zhuhai Port, which will satisfy business requirements of paper manufacturers and traders in South China.

The parties have agreed to invest 330 million yuan ($48 million) to found the joint venture -- Zhuhai Gaolan Euroports Terminal Co Ltd -- teaming up in building the pulp logistic distribution center to fill gaps in the field in South China, and develop Zhuhai into a key international port logistics center.

Moreover, upstream customers of Euroports Group are mainly in South American countries with steady business volume. The new center will lay a solid foundation for Zhuhai Port to open and operate a South American logistics channel, and facilitate economic and trade ties between Zhuhai, surrounding regions, and South American countries. It will also enhance Zhuhai Port's international influence and competitiveness, a government official asserted.

The cooperation with Euroports Group, which began with a contract signing in October last year, was another growth step by Zhuhai Port after attracting China Cosco Shipping, China Shenhua Energy, Sinochem, and Hongkong Xin He International Development.