Tianjin Port Group, the largest port operator in north China, expects to handle 400m tons of cargo and 10m TEU in 2010. Its cargo throughput last year was 380m tons.

The group will invest US$1.9bn on infrastructure at the port this year, and will start construction on several projects, including a second 300,000-ton crude oil wharf and an ore wharf.

Another major port in northern China, Qingdao, said it expects a steady rebound in volume in the first half of 2010. Its cargo throughout was up 9 per cent year-on-year in January and February, while container throughout increased by 6 per cent. Qingdao is China’s largest iron ore and crude oil port.