Work has begun on the US$2 billion fifth development phase of Nansha port, Guangzhou's main international container gateway, aiming to lift capacity to 35 million TEU by around 2030, reported London's S&P Global.

Main construction includes four berths for ships of more than 21,000 TEU and 15 berths for feeder vessels, according to China's Transport Ministry. The extension, with a combined berth length of 2.4 miles, will add 6.7 million TEU of capacity.

Guangzhou Port Group is also building the $1 billion Nansha International General Terminal, which will add 500,000 TEU capacity and berths for breakbulk, project cargo, and vehicles.

Chairman Huang Bo stated that the fifth phase, along with the general terminal and other expansion projects, will add 11 million TEU of operating capacity to Nansha, located about 40 miles south of Guangzhou city.

Guangzhou's throughput rose eight percent last year to more than 27 million TEU, of which over 22 million TEU were handled at Nansha. Growth has continued this year, with a four percent increase in the first four months to nine million TEU.

Rival Shenzhen saw volumes rise five percent last year to 35 million TEU, with an eight percent increase in the first four months to 8.5 million TEU. In contrast, Hong Kong's volumes fell five percent last year to 13.7 million TEU and dropped a further seven percent to 4.2 million TEU through April, according to Hong Kong's Marine Department.