The chemical pilot testing base at Yangkou Port, Rudong, Nantong, Jiangsu province. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The chemical pilot testing base at Yangkou Port in Rudong, Jiangsu province, opened its doors on May 28, marking a key milestone in the region's drive to become a hub of new materials innovation in the Yangtze River Delta. The base welcomed six projects in its first batch of tenants.

Occupying roughly 6 hectares, the Yangkou Port chemical pilot base is designed to host up to 12 simultaneous pilot projects. It focuses on high-end chemicals and strategic emerging industries, especially those related to nanomaterials.

One of the first projects to settle in is the high-end specialty nylon initiative by Jiangsu Shenyuan New Materials, led by researcher Xiang Hengxue. The project has a planned investment of 50 million yuan ($6.96 million) and targets an annual production capacity of 2,000 metric tons. Once pilot testing succeeds, full-scale industrial production will follow on site.

"Yangkou Port offers three major advantages," said Xiang. "Local authorities prioritize technology commercialization, the pilot base is among the first of its kind in Jiangsu, and the services and professional guidance are top-notch."

Major industrial investments anchor the district's growing ecosystem. In late 2022, the 22-billion-yuan Tongkun integrated polyester project began production. With an annual output of 5 million tons of PTA and 2.4 million tons of functional fibers, the project is the largest single investment in new materials in Rudong's history, generating an annual output value exceeding 35 billion yuan.

Yangkou Port's appeal lies in its strategic location and robust infrastructure. "It connects to maritime, river, and inland shipping routes, with excellent road access. And Nantong is a global textile hub," said Li Shengjun, executive president of Tongkun.

With a thriving ecosystem, top-tier infrastructure, and targeted support for innovation, Yangkou Port is becoming a powerhouse for China's new materials industry.