OREANDA-NEWS. April 27, 2011. SIPG and Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration (SMSA) celebrated the opening of Waigaoqiao Deep water shipping channel. SIPG Chairman Chen Xuyuan and SMSA Director Xu Guoyi attended the ceremony.
 
SIPG started the dredging project of Waigaoqiao Yangtze Channel last September. After the completion of the project this March, the entrance draft for Waigaoqiao port area will reach -12m, while the maximum draft along the terminal will be deepened to -13.7m.
 
“The project is planned to tackle the challenger from water depth in Waigaoqiao Area entrance channel and the -12.5m draft can dramatically improve the terminal capability to accommodate large vessels.”  Chairman Chen Xuyuan addressed in his speech.
 
The dredging project will enable container vessels of fourth or fifth generation to carry additional 700 loaded TEUs when berthing at Waigaoqiao terminals, which make it capable to accommodate full loaded 5000-TEUs fifth generate container vessels at high tide of Yangtze estuary. The improved shipping channel satisfied the demand of carriers to expand their slots volume, increase stowage, and upgrade vessels. The project is regarded as a significant stride SIPG made in advancing the capability and efficiency of Port of Shanghai.
 
SIPG, executives, officers from municipal government, and representatives from some carriers attend the ceremony.