An LNG terminal at Yangguang Island, Yangkou Port. [Photo/Official WeChat account of Yangkou Port]

In the realm of Jiangsu's coastal economic development, Yangkou Port in Rudong county, Nantong stands as a crucial engine.

In 2022, the output and taxable sales of industrial companies above the designated scale at Yangkou Port saw a twofold increase. The service industry contributed taxable sales of 75 billion yuan ($10.52 billion), accounting for 55 percent of the total in Rudong. The port's cargo throughput exceeded 10 million metric tons.

However, the location of Yangkou Port was nothing more than vast tidal flats just two decades ago. Since the 1990s, Rudong spent over 10 years researching the development of Yangkou Port. More than 10 academicians, three national port design masters, and over 100 experts and scholars were invited to conduct comprehensive studies. They concluded that it was feasible to construct a deep-water seaport, an artificial island, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals there.

The construction of Yangkou Port commenced in 2023. It began with an LNG terminal and then the focus shifted to liquid chemicals and general cargo transportation. The artificial island at Yangkou Port, known as Yangguang Island, is now the largest LNG energy island in China.

Last year, the total LNG unloading volume on the island reached 7.14 million tons, equivalent to the annual gas consumption of 50 million households. Its maximum daily export volume can satisfy the gas demand of all of Jiangsu province for two days.

Looking ahead to the next 20 years, Yangkou Port aims to build four service centers for living amenities, industrial facilities, and bonded and smart logistics.

Yangkou Port. [Photo/WeChat account of Yangkou Port]