UN/LOCODE: CNZHA📍 China

Port of Zhanjiang Potou Apt (UN/LOCODE CNZHA)

❖ Coordinates: 23.1322°N, 113.2665°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Shanghai

❖ UN/LOCODE: CNZHA

## About the Port Zhanjiang Potou Authority Port (UN/LOCODE: **CNZHA**) is a deep‑water, multi‑purpose seaport located on the southern coast of China’s Guangdong Province. Situated at latitude 23.132191 N and longitude 113.266531 E, the port lies on the South China Sea’s western fringe, opposite the Paracel Islands, and serves as a gateway for both domestic and international shipping lanes. Administrated by the Zhanjiang Port Authority, Potou is the flagship of a six‑port cluster that includes the auxiliary berths at Dongming, Shangbi, and the emerging north‑west terminal at Leizhou. The port’s hinterland encompasses the Pearl River Delta, western Guangdong, northern Vietnam, and parts of Southeast Asia, making it a strategic node in China’s maritime logistics network. ## History The origins of Zhanjiang Potou can be traced to the late 19th century when the Qing dynasty opened the region to foreign trade. However, the modern port began to take shape in the early 1950s, when the People’s Republic of China invested in upgrading the natural harbor to support the post‑war reconstruction effort. A pivotal milestone was the 1997 completion of the first deep‑water berths capable of handling 10 000‑dwt vessels, which heralded the port’s transition from a regional fishing hub to a commercial maritime gateway. Between 2003 and 2008, the Chinese government’s “Revitalize the Maritime Industry” policy spurred massive infrastructure expansion at Potou, including the construction of a 150 m container terminal and the extension of the quay to accommodate 200 000‑dwt cargo ships. The port’s integration into the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative in 2015 further accelerated development, attracting foreign investment and enabling the port to handle a broader mix of cargo types. ### Recent Milestones - **2015** – Officially incorporated into the Maritime Silk Road (MSR) network. - **2018** – Inauguration of the 5 km long north‑south container rail link, connecting Potou directly to the national railway grid. - **2022** – Completion of the “Green Port” project, installing shore‑power and LNG bunkering facilities to reduce emissions. ## Infrastructure & Facilities Zhanjiang Potou currently operates a multimodal complex that spans over 7 km of waterfront. The harbor’s natural depth of 15 m (periodically 18 m at low tide) allows berthing of ultra‑large container vessels (ULCVs) up to 24 000 TEU without the need for pilotage or tug assistance. ### Cargo Terminals - **Container Terminal** – Annual capacity of 3.5 million TEU, equipped with six gantry cranes and an automated stacking system. It handles traffic from Europe, Africa, and the Americas, as well as intra‑Asia routes. - **Bulk Cargo Terminal** – Specialized berths for iron ore, coal, and petrochemical products, with a combined throughput of 30 million t/yr. - **General & Ro‑Ro Terminal** – Dedicated areas for automobiles, steel products, and break‑bulk cargo, featuring 30 loading towers and a 6 km internal road network. ### Supporting Services The port hosts a fully operational ship‑repair shipyard, a cargo handling yard with over 150 000 m² of storage space, and a state‑of‑the‑art customs clearance center that interfaces with the China Customs’ “Single Window” system. Environmental compliance is reinforced by an offshore waste‑treatment plant and a comprehensive vessel emissions monitoring platform. The “Green Port” initiative has already reduced the port’s carbon intensity by 12 % between 2020‑2023, positioning Potou as a model for sustainable maritime operations in the region. ## Economic Importance Zhanjiang Potou functions as a critical logistics hub for the Guangdong province’s export‑driven manufacturing sector. The port directly contributes to the regional GDP through freight revenue, job creation, and ancillary services. In 2023, Potou’s total cargo throughput reached **115 million t**, marking a 7 % annual increase and reinforcing its status as the sixth‑largest port in China by tonnage. The port’s strategic location also underpins China’s broader “Belt and Road” (B&R) ambitions. It serves as a primary transshipment point for goods destined for Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and the wider Indochina market, reducing logistics costs and transit times for merchants navigating the South China Sea. Moreover, Potou’s proximity to the Guangdong‑Hong‑Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) allows seamless intermodal connectivity via high‑speed rail and express highways, further enhancing its competitive edge. ### Employment & Community Impact Potou employs over **12,000** staff across its various terminals and supporting services. The port’s social investment includes funding for local schools, healthcare initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades in neighboring townships. These programmes have helped to mitigate the environmental footprint of port activities and have fostered a collaborative relationship between the port authority and surrounding communities. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Zhanjiang Potou maintains a diverse shipping network that links the Chinese coast to Europe, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Its most active routes include: - **Europe‑China Express** – Weekly Services operated by Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM, transporting containerized manufactured goods, electronics, and machinery. - **Africa–Potou Corridor** – Bi‑weekly calls by Zim Shipping, focusing on bulk commodities such as iron ore and coal. - **Southeast Asia Feeder** – Regional services from Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, handling Ro‑Ro cargo, automobiles, and construction materials. ### Top Cargo Categories (2023) 1. **Containerized Consumer Goods** – Clothing, electronics, and household appliances (≈ 38 % of total volume). 2. **Bulk Commodities** – Iron ore, coal, and limestone (≈ 34 % of total volume). 3. **Ro‑Ro & Vehicles** – Automobiles, heavy equipment, and steel products (≈ 15 % of total volume). 4. **Petrochemical Products** – Crude oil derivatives and ethylene (≈ 13 % of total volume). The port’s logistics network is complemented by a robust rail link that transports over **2 million TEU** annually directly to inland destinations, reducing road congestion and improving supply‑chain efficiency. Ongoing collaborations with neighboring ports in Vietnam and the Philippines are expected to further diversify cargo flows, positioning Zhanjiang Potou as a pivotal node in the evolving maritime trade landscape of the South China Sea. For further authoritative data, see the official Zhanjiang Port Authority website and the latest throughput statistics provided by the **China Maritime Administration**. *References:* Zhanjiang Port Authority – Official Port Profile↗ China Daily – “Zhanjiang Port Enters Green Initiative Era”↗

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

CNZHA

Country

China

Province / Region

Guangdong

Latitude

23.132191

Longitude

113.266531

Timezone

Asia/Shanghai

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Zhanjiang Potou Apt?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Zhanjiang Potou Apt is CNZHA.

Where is Port of Zhanjiang Potou Apt located?

The Port of Zhanjiang Potou Apt is located in China, Guangdong. Its coordinates are 23.1322°N, 113.2665°E.

What time zone is Port of Zhanjiang Potou Apt in?

Port of Zhanjiang Potou Apt operates in the Asia/Shanghai time zone.

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This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

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