Fujin Border Port in Jiamusi, Heilongjiang

Fujin Border Port (富锦口岸) is a national Class I inland port approved by the State Council for foreign trade in July 1989. It is located on the southern bank of the Songhua River, with multi-modal transport capabilities connecting China and Russia, as well as facilitating trade with Northeast Asia. The port has a shoreline of 80 meters and an area of 18,000 square meters, capable of accommodating 1,000-ton vessels, with an annual throughput capacity of 100,000 tons.

Overview

Location and Connectivity

  • Geography: Situated on the southern bank of the Songhua River (松花江) in Jiamusi City (佳木斯市), Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江省), Fujin Border Port connects directly to major Russian ports and the Northeast Asian region.

  • Route: It is 113 km downriver to the Russian Port of Khabarovsk (下列宁斯阔耶港) and 350 km to Vladivostok (哈巴罗夫斯克). The port also connects to Japan and South Korea via transshipment through Russian ports.

Strategic Importance

  • Trade Hub: Fujin Port is a critical trade channel for bulk goods, including coal, grain, and timber, primarily imported from Russia.

  • Economic Impact: In 2023, following the restoration of cargo operations, the port’s projected annual economic benefits reached 20 million RMB. The port plays a vital role in the “open north” strategy of Heilongjiang Province, supporting increased trade with Russia.

Infrastructure

Facilities and Capabilities

  • Port Features: Fujin Port is the only deep-water port on the Songhua River that remains navigable during the dry season, with a specialized dock line of 80 meters and a land area of 18,000 square meters.

  • Multimodal Transport: The port is equipped with water-to-land cargo handling equipment and seamlessly integrates with the Fuzhen Railway (福前铁路) and the Fushui Songhua River Highway Bridge (富绥松花江公路大桥), making it a key transportation hub.

Development Plans

  • Energy Hub: By 2025, Fujin Port is expected to play a central role in the China-Russia energy multimodal transport cross-border cooperation project, positioning itself as a national energy trading center.

Latest Developments (2024-2025)

Cargo Resumption

  • In September 2023, the port successfully passed provincial-level assessments and resumed cargo operations. In August 2024, the first batch of 1,200 tons of granite slabs was exported to Russia.

  • Future Plans: In 2025, the port aims to enhance its smart port infrastructure, streamline customs processes, and boost the scale of trade with Russia.

Policy Support

  • Fujin Port is included in the national logistics hub planning for Jiamusi City and is actively pursuing the establishment of a bonded logistics center (B-type). This will further support industries such as coal and timber from Russia.

Historical Background

Key Milestones

  • 1989: Fujin Port was officially designated as a Class I inland port by the State Council and opened for trade with the Soviet Union.

  • 1990: Fujin was included in the list of cities designated for national foreign trade opening. By 2013, the port underwent significant upgrades, including the construction of over 10,000 square meters of office and support facilities.

Shipping Network

Routes

Fujin Port’s shipping network offers three key service ranges:

  • Short-distance: A 113 km route to Khabarovsk, Russia, reachable in a single day.

  • Medium-distance: A 350 km route to Vladivostok.

  • Long-distance: Connections to Japan and South Korea via Russian ports, offering a shorter journey compared to Dalian Port (大连港), reducing the travel time by one-third.

Strategic Role

Economic Corridor

Fujin Port serves as an essential gateway for trade between China and Russia, with a particular emphasis on bulk commodities like coal, grain, and timber. It also functions as a key component in the broader Northeast Asian trade network, connecting several border ports including Tongjiang (同江) and Fuyuan (抚远), and is integral to the region’s supply chain.

Regional Impact

With its location on the Three Rivers Plain (三江平原), Fujin Port plays a critical role in the distribution of bulk goods, significantly contributing to Heilongjiang Province’s trade with Russia and enhancing the region’s economic development.

Fujin Port’s role is further emphasized as part of the broader “open north” strategy, and it is set to become an even more important trade and logistics center in the years to come.