An aerial view of the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier Winning Youth. [Photo provided by Ying Zhibo for Tide News]

Zhoushan port area in East China's Zhejiang province achieved impressive results in January this year, handling more than 62 million metric tons of cargo, a 4.54 percent year-on-year increase. Within this total, foreign trade cargo throughput reached 22.09 million tons — a year-on-year growth of 15.65 percent.

Key cargo categories showed remarkable growth. The port's container throughput reached 519,800 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a substantial 42.11 percent increase compared to January 2025. The volume of grain handled surged by more than 80 percent, while shipments of iron ore, containers, and crude oil all reached record highs for the period.

Notably, Shulanghu Terminal handled over 3.79 million tons of iron ore, a 13.7 percent year-on-year increase, setting a new historical record. Meanwhile, Yongzhou Container Terminal processed 415,700 TEUs, marking a 39.95 percent year-on-year increase and setting a new monthly record.

The port has also adopted smart port management systems to enhance operational efficiency by coordinating key resources, including tugs, pilots, and terminals. The seamless integration of unloading, storage, and transport services helps ensure the stability of critical supply chains, especially for energy commodities.

In addition, Zhoushan has expanded its international connectivity through new shipping routes and port connections. Significant milestones include the arrival of the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier Winning Youth, carrying high-quality iron ore from the Simandou mine in Guinea, marking the completion of a global trade loop, and the launch of the first direct container shipping route to South America.