The State Development and Reform Commission hosted a meeting on 21 and 22 November to evaluate a feasibility study for the first phase of what is known as the Nanjing 12.5-metre dredging project. The panel of experts gave their seal of approval.

The project aims to raise the water level from the current 10 metres to 12.5 metres up to Nanjing by 2015. Phase One covers the stretch between Taicang and Nantong, and will cost approximately Rmb5bn.

When the entire project is completed, 50,000dwt ocean-going vessels will be able to reach Nanjing all year round and the shipping capacity in the stretch up to Nanjing, which currently accounts for more than 60 per cent of traffic along the entire length of the Yangtze, will more than double, according to officials.