Shanghai maritime authorities have recently announced two sections at the Yangtze mouth that can accommodate the simultaneous passing of two large vessels in opposite directions. They are the section between buoys D28 and D42 with a total width of 85 metres and the section between buoys D28 and D34 with a total width of 90 metres. Originally, the rule was that the combined width of the passing vessels had to be less than 78 metres. This meant that one of the two large vessels would have to give way and in the process lose time and pay waiting fee. Baoshan Iron and Steel, which regularly imports iron ore from abroad, has already claimed that the new rule will save it US$9m a year in mooring fees.
In another development, the third phase of the dredging programme at the mouth should be completed by September. The waterway up to Taicang will have a depth of 12.5 metres, compared with the current 10 metres, allowing the passage of 100,000 dwt loaded bulk carriers all year round and 200,000 dwt vessels on tide.