The Shulanghu Ore Transfer Port in China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone imports 13.52 million tons of iron ore in the first five months of this year, an increase of 16.6 percent year-on-year. [Photo/WeChat account: china-zjftz]

The Shulanghu Ore Transfer Port in China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone imported 13.52 million tons of iron ore in the first five months of this year, an increase of 16.6 percent year-on-year. 

The port's throughput reached 28.43 million tons over the five-month period, a yearly uptick of 28.8 percent. 

The port is the nation's largest offshore iron ore transfer base. 

Mao Yunbo, deputy manager of the commerce department of Zhoushan Shulanghu Port Co Ltd, revealed that fewer 400,000-tonnage foreign ships docked at the port after April due to the COVID-19 outbreak overseas and the arrival of rainy season in Brazil. 

To deal with the recession, the port resorted to small ships. The smaller size means higher frequency of docking/departure, which has greatly increased the workload of local customs. 

The efforts made by the local customs authorities, including overtime work, helped the port achieve growth, despite the declines seen elsewhere. 

The innovative iron ore services chains in the FTZ also played a major role.