On March 31, a tugboat weighing approximately 115 tons was successfully hoisted from the vessel “Hua Ming 168” directly onto the internationally bound vessel “Annette” via ship-to-ship direct transfer, destined for Nicaragua in Central America. This milestone marks a key step for Jiangyin Port in enhancing its large-scale equipment export capacity, expanding into the Americas market, and contributing to the Belt and Road Initiative.
In recent years, demand for large-scale infrastructure equipment has remained strong in countries along the Belt and Road. Leveraging its core advantages of advanced technology, reliable performance, and stable delivery, China has continuously strengthened its competitiveness in overseas markets, with export volumes steadily expanding. The exported tugboat, manufactured in China, measures 17.65 meters in length and 7.6 meters in width, with a power output of 1,300 horsepower and a rated bollard pull of 16 tonnes. It was transported from Zhenjiang via inland waterway to Jiangyin, where it was loaded onto the ocean-going vessel “Annette” for its overseas voyage. The vessel is expected to arrive in Nicaragua after 28 days, via Brownsville.
“In addition to the tugboat, the ‘Annette’ is also carrying a 706-ton cryogenic storage tank and 163 tons of general cargo. This is a mixed shipment of break bulk cargo, characterized by diverse cargo types, high loading requirements, and significant regulatory challenges, posing considerable difficulties for the operation,” said Zhang Yixin, Manager of Jiangyin United Steel & Iron Terminal.
“To improve operational efficiency, we adhered to the principle of handling special cases with expedited procedures, flexibly adjusting the original ‘ship-shore-ship’ transfer method to a ‘ship-to-ship direct transfer’ approach. This reduced customs clearance time by six hours and effectively improved clearance efficiency,” said Li Dian, Deputy Director of the Government Affairs Center of Jiangyin Maritime Safety Administration.
Furthermore, to ensure the safety of this ship-to-ship direct transfer operation, the Jiangyin Maritime Safety Administration leveraged the advantages of “internet plus government services.” Through “advance declaration,” it pre-reviewed the vessel’s stowage plan, lashing and securing scheme, and lifting operation plan, and promptly processed the hot work operation filing, enabling “direct loading upon arrival.” In response to the high demands that ship-to-ship transfers place on navigational environments, the Administration strengthened monitoring of hydro-meteorological conditions, on-site traffic control, and onboard inspection and guidance, creating favorable conditions for the transfer operation and ensuring clear and reliable navigable waters.
As a key port hub in Jiangsu Province, Jiangyin Port has continuously improved its port facilities and operational capabilities, gradually becoming an important gateway for “Made in China” to reach global markets. This mixed shipment not only expands the port’s international reach but also lays a solid foundation for the development of a waterborne transport system in Jiangsu, supporting the export of more equipment and deepening economic and trade cooperation with the Americas.
Source from: China Transportation News Network