In a recent interview, a representative from the Pearl River Navigation Administration shared insights into the performance of the Changzhou Ship Lock during the National Day holiday from October 1 to October 7. According to the report, the lock saw a remarkable 4.69 million tons of cargo cross its gates, reflecting an impressive 8.88% increase from the same period last year—an all-time high for this holiday season.
The representative highlighted the comprehensive measures taken to ensure the safety and efficiency of maritime traffic, guided by instructions from the Ministry of Transport. They emphasized that the administration prioritized safety production and traffic management, concentrating on forecasting water conditions, on-the-ground management, operational monitoring, and duty scheduling.
Key actions during this period included careful planning and rigorous enforcement. The administration encouraged lock operational units to conduct thorough safety inspections before the holiday, proactively addressing potential hazards and ensuring that responsibilities were clearly defined at all levels. Improved communication and early warning systems were also developed through coordination with water conservancy and electricity departments, allowing them to provide weather and water forecasts three to five days in advance.
To further safeguard operations, the representative explained how scheduling was optimized and operational units were guided to closely monitor the transit of vessels carrying hazardous materials. Joint inspections were conducted on-site to maintain orderly navigation.
Thanks to collaboration with various stakeholders, the stability of navigation safety on the Xijiang waterway was effectively maintained throughout the holiday. This collective effort played a crucial role in achieving record cargo transit levels at the Changzhou Ship Lock.
