Official statistics show that in 2009, a record total of 74m tons of cargo passed through the five-step shiplocks at the Three Gorges, up 8.45 per over 2008. Nearly 32 per cent of the vessels passing the locks are 2,000 dwt or larger, a direct result of the central government’s vessel standardisation programme.

The shiplocks had an initial annual designed capacity of 50m tons. The vessel standardisation programme and better management are expected to double capacity. However, if recent traffic growth rates are maintained, the new capacity will be reached in the relatively near future.