Guangzhou Port and Maritime Association was officially founded on the evening of Feb. 16th, becoming the first maritime association of the shipping industry in Guangzhou. Chang Min, honorary chairman of the association and director of Guangzhou Port Authority indicated that during the 12th five-year plan period, some 20 billion yuan of investment would be made for the construction of navigational channels and deep-water berths. When these projects are completed, the handling capacity of the port is expected to increase by 150 million tonnages and six million TEU of containers will be added to the port.

As things stand today, some 240 port enterprises, 140 water transport enterprises, 120 water transport services enterprises, 80 international ship management companies and agencies and 220 NVOCC (non-vessel operating common carrier) enterprises are operating well under the jurisdiction of Guangzhou Port. In 2010, the throughput of Guangzhou Port amounted to 410 million tonnages, up by 12.9% year on year. As a result, Guangzhou Port has become the third port in China with a handling capacity of 400 million tonnages. The throughput of containers reached 12.55 million TEU, up by 12.1% year on year. The port continues to maintain its leading position in the world in terms of production capacity.

At present, 101 port-related enterprises have become members of the newly-established Guangzhou Port and Maritime Association. Its members cover every key component of the shipping industrial chain, including port management, shipping, freight forwarding and towing. These companies of great diversity are well positioned to promote the future development of the shipping industry in Guangzhou and enhance its competitiveness.