A significant milestone in China’s logistics infrastructure, the Pinglu Canal, a key project of the New Western Land-Sea Corridor, officially commenced operations on September 16th. This grand opening heralds a new era for trade and transportation in Southwest China, promising to dramatically shorten shipping routes and reduce costs.
A New Artery for Trade
The inauguration of the Pinglu Canal saw the launch of two new freight routes: an international route connecting Nanning to Cần Thơ in Vietnam, and a domestic route linking Nanning to Yangpu in Hainan. On its opening day, the canal facilitated the passage of 30 cargo ships, with Nanning Port and Qinzhou Port spearheading the initial voyages. The cargo primarily consisted of containers and bulk goods, including building materials, coal, minerals, steel, and fertilizers.
Engineering Marvel
Construction on the Pinglu Canal began on August 28, 2022, and the canal stretches 134.2 kilometers. Built to Class I inland waterway standards, it can accommodate 5,000-ton vessels, making it one of the highest-class inland canals in China. The canal originates from Pingtangjiangkou in the Xijin Reservoir area of Hengzhou City, Nanning, and extends south through Luyi Town in Lingshan County, Qinzhou, directly reaching the Beibu Gulf. The entire line features three major lock complexes: Madao, Qishi, and Qingnian.
The Pinglu Canal project boasts four “world’s firsts”:
- The highest navigation capacity among similar canals worldwide.
- The fastest navigation speed for ship locks of its kind globally.
- The highest water-saving lock drop height in the world.
- The largest scale of water-saving ship locks for inland waterways.
Economic and Strategic Impact
The Pinglu Canal is designed to complement the existing railway and highway networks of the New Western Land-Sea Corridor, creating a robust multimodal transportation system. This integration is expected to consolidate cargo sources from the southwest region, invigorate the regional economy, and enhance the overall logistics efficiency of the New Western Land-Sea Corridor.
Upon its completion and opening, the Pinglu Canal significantly reduces the inland river navigation distance for goods from Southwest China heading to the sea. It offers a saving of over 560 kilometers compared to traditional routes, translating into annual transportation cost savings exceeding 5 billion yuan. This development is poised to be crucial in promoting the maritime ambitions of China’s southwest region, fostering the great development of the western regions in the new era, and building a closer community of shared future between China and ASEAN.
New Passenger Routes
In addition to the freight operations, four new passenger water routes also commenced service on the same day, further enhancing connectivity and accessibility for the region.
