Ningbo's Shipu Port exports first commercial vessel

Xiangshan Customs officials inspect the newly built Niue-flagged container ship Bo Da 89. [Photo/Tide News]

The Niue-flagged container ship Bo Da 89, built by Ningbo Boda Shipbuilding, set sail from Shipu Port in Xiangshan county, Ningbo, Zhejiang province, after joint inspection and clearance by customs, border inspection, and maritime authorities.

This marks the first commercial vessel export since the port's opening. In December 2025, Xiangshan's Shipu Port passed national inspection, granting it the qualification for international maritime traffic.

The official opening, unlike its previous temporary status, offers unrestricted operating time, providing an optimal environment for ship delivery, according to a representative from Ningbo Boda Shipbuilding.

"Compared to previous deliveries via other locations, this saves two to three days and reduces costs by approximately 200,000 yuan ($28,816) per vessel, benefiting over a dozen nearby shipbuilding and repair companies," the representative said.

In 2025, Xiangshan's export trade of commercial vessels reached 1.68 billion yuan, a 32.9 percent increase year-on-year, setting a new record.

With the first exported vessel embarking on its journey, Shipu Port plans to seize new development opportunities. Beyond shipbuilding and export, the port aims to expand into cold chain logistics, high-end seafood, and other sectors, establishing itself as an important maritime gateway for eastern Zhejiang.