Changsha Port

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Located in the central part of Hunan Province (湖南省), Changsha Port is a modern hub for cargo handling, integrating container transport, bulk cargo, roll-on/roll-off services, and multimodal transport. It is a key port for the Changsha (长沙) region, with significant economic and logistics impacts for the city and the central Hunan region. The port is a designated entry point for national grain imports and a critical part of China’s multimodal transport network, handling goods for both local industries and broader regional markets.

Port Facilities

Cargo Berths: 14 total, including 11 for 1,000-ton vessels

Annual Cargo Throughput:

• Container cargo: 200,000 TEUs

• General cargo: 5 million tons

Port Area: 1,500 acres

Total Investment: 700 million CNY

Key Features

Changsha Port plays a pivotal role in the regional economy, supporting Changsha’s status as a national logistics and transportation center. The port also contributes to the economic growth of the Chang-Zhu-Tan Economic Zone (长株潭经济圈), which includes Changsha, Zhuzhou, and Xiangtan (湘潭). The port has direct links with national and international transport networks, making it an essential gateway for goods to and from the Yangtze River Delta (长江三角洲) and Pearl River Delta (珠江三角洲).

Natural Conditions

Climate

Changsha Port lies in the North Subtropical Humid Monsoon Climate Zone, with distinct seasonal changes. The climate is mild, with ample rainfall and sunshine throughout the year.

Average Temperature: 17.2°C annually, with monthly averages ranging from 28°C to 29°C.

Rainfall: The annual average rainfall is 1,300 mm, with the majority falling between April and September.

Wind: The main wind direction is from the northwest, with stronger southerly winds during summer. The highest recorded wind speed is 24 m/s.

Snowfall: The port experiences minimal snowfall, with an average of only 6 snow days per year.

Fog: The port experiences an average of 13.5 foggy days per year, mostly between November and March.

Water Conditions

Flood Levels: The highest recorded flood level is 39.51 meters (in 2017), and the lowest is 25.35 meters, with a total variation of 13.83 meters.

Average Water Level: 29.59 meters annually.

Transport Information

Changsha Port is strategically located with easy access to both rail and road transport networks, enhancing its role in regional and national logistics.

Waterway Access

The port is connected to the Xiangjiang River (湘江), which leads to the Yangtze River (长江). From here, cargo can be shipped to major cities in the Pearl River Delta (珠江三角洲) and Guangdong (广东), as well as other key regional markets.

Rail and Road Access

Rail: The port is linked by several major rail lines, including the Xianggui Railway (湘桂铁路) and Nanfang Railway (南方铁路), providing further access to southern China and beyond.

Road: Major highways, including the Guangxi–Hunan Highway (桂海高速) and Changsha–Guangzhou Expressway (长沙—广州高速), connect the port to cities across the region.

Port Development and Future Plans

Port Expansion

Changsha Port is undergoing significant expansion, with plans for additional berths, specialized infrastructure for handling various types of cargo, and a logistics park.

Phase One (Completed in July 2003)

• Includes four 1,000-ton berths for containers and bulk cargo.

• Total investment: 226.8 million CNY.

• Modern cargo handling equipment, including cranes and conveyors.

Phase Two (Completed by end of 2004)

• Extension of the port with an additional 295 meters of shoreline, adding four 1,000-ton berths.

• Total investment: 216 million CNY.

• Designed annual cargo throughput of 1.2 million tons.

Phase Three (Planned for 2007)

• Expansion to include five additional berths, including two for container handling and two for general cargo.

• Additional infrastructure for roll-on/roll-off cargo and specialized equipment for bulk liquid cargo.

• Total investment: 260 million CNY, with a target annual throughput of 1.5 million tons.

Investment and Funding

The port’s ongoing expansion projects are funded by both local and national investments, including a 300 million CNY investment for a dedicated bulk cargo handling facility in the Xianing Port Area (霞凝港区).

Cargo Throughput and Operational Status

Historical Throughput Data

2000: Cargo throughput reached over 2 million tons.

2004: The port’s throughput reached 1.046 million tons, with a notable increase in container and bulk cargo.

2006: The total cargo throughput at Xianing Port (霞凝港) reached 2.6 million tons, with 83,000 TEUs of international containers.

2008: The port reached a cargo throughput of 29.55 million tons, marking a 41.54% increase over the previous year.

Operational Achievements

On March 27, 2023, Changsha Port celebrated its continued growth, reaching new milestones in container and bulk cargo handling. The port has achieved a 33% increase in general cargo throughput, as well as a 43% growth in container traffic.

Changsha Port is a rapidly growing and modern port facility with strategic advantages for both regional and international trade. With its expanding infrastructure, improved cargo handling capacity, and enhanced multimodal transport capabilities, the port is set to become a key logistics hub in central China. Its continuous growth aligns with Changsha’s goal to strengthen its position as a national transportation and logistics center.