The Hebei government in China is considering to transform Qinhuangdao Port into a container and cruise port by relocating the coal terminal to another area, Chinese financial media Caixin has reported.
According to sources close to the matter, the government has had several discussions on the feasibility of the relocation; however there hasn’t been any concrete plans made yet.
Qinhuangdao Port is a major coal transportation hub and the largest coal port in China in terms of handling capacity. The port completed a coal handling volume of 215m tons in 2017.
According to Liu Zhixin, deputy director of the Standing Committee of Qinhuangdao, the idea of transforming Qinhuangdao Port is in line with the central government’s strategy to adjust the energy structure of the country and the Qinhuangdao local government’s strategy to develop the city into an international tourist city.
Liu revealed that Caofeidian Port in Tangshan is now seen as a possible choice for the relocation of the coal terminal and the relocation could take 3-5 years.
Caofeidian Port is also a major bulk port in North China, and it is one of the four ports in China that can cater for 400,000 dwt valemaxes.
