The Rmb1.1bn second phase of Chongqing’s Cuntan terminal is due to be ready for opening at the end of 2009, reported Xinhua. Four 3,000-tonne berths with an annual capacity of 420,000 TEU, 150,000 ro-ro units and 800,000 tonnes of breakbulk are being constructed on the 59-hectare site.

The third phase involved the construction of four more berths with additional capacity of 560,000 TEU. This will increase Cuntan’s throughput capacity to 1.89m TEU, making it the largest container terminal on the Yangtze River’s upper reaches.

In a separate development, Sichuan Chuanwei Group said it may shift its trade and logistics activities to Chongqing Lianglu Cuntan Bonded Port Area.

Chuanwei Group is a private enterprise that is involved in the iron and steel, minerals, cement and logistics sectors. It said the move would yield savings of Rmb50m if its imported iron ore were to be transported via the bonded area.