A total of 16.07 million metric tons of iron ore are unloaded at the Shulanghu Port in the first half of this year, an increase of 24.3 percent year-on-year. [Photo/WeChat account: china-zjftz]

A total of 16.07 million metric tons of iron ore were unloaded at the Shulanghu Port in the first half of this year, an increase of 24.3 percent year-on-year.

It serviced 31 vessels each weighing 400,000 metric tons over this period, up 24 percent. 

The port achieved half of its throughput target for this year more than 20 days ahead of schedule. From January to June, the port's throughout surged 32.53 percent year-on-year to 33.9916 million metric tons, making up 58.11 percent of its annual target for this year.

These promising results can be largely attributed to the efforts of the operator- Zhoushan Shulanghu Port Co Ltd- to expand the market and optimize efficiency. 

The company made strong efforts to retain old customers and attract new ones. It had closely monitored 400,000-tonnage ships and ports in countries like Brazil and Malaysia

The port also managed to secure supplies for Wuhan Iron and Steel Co Ltd, helping the company alleviate its raw material shortage at the heights of COVID-19 pandemic. 

Meanwhile, it strengthened links with the local customs and rolled out a series of measures to improve its operating efficiency.