Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, the world's largest in terms of cargo turnover [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

East China's Zhejiang province has explored an innovative and efficient path for seaport development through integration and opening-up in recent years and will continue to manage and optimize the use of its port resources to form a world-class seaport cluster, local media reported.

The coastal province of Zhejiang is home to Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, the world's busiest in terms of annual cargo turnover for 10 consecutive years. The port was also the first in the world to have cargo turnover of 1 billion metric tons in a single year.

The port has 247 shipping routes connecting China and more than 600 seaports in over 190 countries and regions, serving as an active contributor to the national strategies of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region.

Mao Jianhong, chairman of Zhejiang Seaport Investment and Operation Group and Ningbo-Zhoushan Port Group, said the port's outstanding performance was mainly a result of the integration of ports in Ningbo and Zhoushan.

Zhejiang Provincial Seaport Investment and Operation Group Co was established in August 2015 and later, Ningbo Port Co and Zhoushan Port Co were merged as Ningbo-Zhoushan Port Group in a bid to boost the integration of port resources and develop the maritime economy. Five main ports–Ningbo, Zhoushan, Jiaxing, Taizhou and Wenzhou–are now under the unified investment and operation group.

After these reforms, the overall competitiveness of Zhejiang ports improved. Next, the group is looking at opportunities outside the area and is beginning to strengthen strategic cooperation with other ports in the Yangtze River Delta region.

On Feb 19, Zhejiang Seaport Investment and Operation Group, the operator of Zhejiang seaport resources, reached an agreement with Shanghai International Port Group to cooperate on the comprehensive development of the northern Xiao Yangshan area. They agreed to work together in the development, operation and management of the northern part of Xiao Yangshan port area, which could significantly boost efficiency and lower costs of cargo transit on the Yangtze River.

At the same time, Zhejiang ports are expanding their circle of friends. Since the Belt and Road Initiative was unveiled in 2013, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port has established friendships with more than 20 ports abroad and launched over 90 shipping routes to countries and regions involved in the initiative.

In the future, the Zhejiang group will endeavor to build a world-class seaport cluster and become a leading provider of logistics services for better economic development in Zhejiang, Mao said.