Recently, the feasibility study report for Phase II of the South Channel Regulation Project in the Yangtze Estuary has been approved by the National Development and Reform Commission. Located in the South Channel section of the Yangtze Estuary, the project aims to enhance the navigable depth of the channel from 6 meters to 8 meters based on Phase I. This will enable all-tide navigation for 5,000-ton vessels, two-way tide-window navigation for fully loaded 10,000-ton vessels, and tide-window navigation for 20,000-ton vessels as well as large downbound empty vessels.
Reportedly, Phase II of the South Channel Regulation Project is a key waterway initiative under the 14th Five-Year Plan. It also serves as a concrete measure to support national strategies such as the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, as well as the construction of Shanghai's "Five Centers." The total investment for the project is estimated to reach approximate 4.647 billion yuan. The approval of this feasibility study marks a significant advancement in the project's preparatory work, transitioning it from the research phase to the implementation stage.
Since the launch of the preparatory work, the Yangtze Estuary Waterway Administration has adhered to ecological conservation and green development, fully and accurately implementing the new development philosophy. It has coordinated relevant units to conduct high-standard, high-quality preliminary research, laying a solid foundation for the project's approval. In the next phase, relevant units will make every effort to complete all pre-construction preparations, striving to commence the construction within the year and bring the project into operation at the earliest opportunity.
Source from: China Traffic News