Guangzhou Nansha Automobile Port, located in the heart of Guangdong province, has emerged as a key player in the global automotive market. The recent docking of two Bahamian large car carriers, Gravity Highway and Progress Ace, marks a milestone development in the port’s capabilities and operations. These vessels can each carry approximately 6,000 vehicles and are among the largest vessels to grace this port since its establishment.
Promoting China’s automobile exports
These giant ships will facilitate China’s automobile exports to Central America, South America and the Middle East. Nansha Port is at the forefront of China’s rapidly growing automobile industry, with the number of automobile imports and exports increasing by a staggering 3.9 times in 2023, and exports increasing by 68% compared to the previous year.
Nansha Port: China’s largest automobile export base
Nansha Port, the country’s largest automobile export hub, can handle up to 2 million passenger cars annually. Strategically located at the mouth of the Pearl River, the port is connected to major cities in Guangdong, Hainan and Guangxi, underscoring its strategic importance in China’s rapidly growing automobile exports.
Expansion through strategic partnerships
The port’s capacity expansion is due to a cooperation agreement with subsidiaries of COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co Ltd, in particular Guangzhou Ocean Shipping Co., Ltd. The latter operates her fleet of six car carriers, with plans to build more in the future, aiming for an annual export capacity of more than 700,000 vessels. vehicle. This growth seamlessly aligns with Guangzhou’s vision to build an international shipping hub and subsequently serve as an important gateway for foreign trade.
The latest data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) shows that car production and sales increased significantly year-on-year in January 2024, although there was a slight decrease month-on-month, and the role of Nansha Port is becoming even bigger and more important. The port’s continued expansion and its strategic alliances promise to keep China at the forefront of the global automobile export market and strengthen its position as a global automobile powerhouse.