Nantong Port. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Nantong, situated in Jiangsu province and strategically positioned along the Yangtze River and Huanghai Sea, stands out as a pivotal hub for water transportation, reaping substantial benefits.

Nantong Port is blessed with 4,166 meters of shoreline along the Yangtze River, and connects with 312 ports in 96 countries and regions. Each year, about 48,000 vessels sail through the river's Nantong section, equating to 1,300 vessels per day.

Along the river, bulk cargo transit bases and national LNG bases have been established. In 2023, Nantong Port handled 343 million metric tons of cargo, up 9.4 percent year-on-year.

Vessels sail on the Nantong section of the Yangtze River. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Capitalizing on its geological position, Nantong has placed great emphasis on river-sea combined transportation. Last year, the city invested a record 170,000 yuan ($23,797) in constructing shipping lanes for inland rivers, and the Lyusi Port terminals were put into use in late 2022.

While developing its shipping industry, the city has also prioritized eco-friendly principles by building green shipping lanes, treating pollution from vessels, and renovating shore power.

Last year, the shore power used by vessels berthing at Nantong Port surged by 20 percent from the previous year, taking the lead in the province for the fourth consecutive year. Additionally, more than 95 percent of pollutants from vessels were effectively disposed of.