Zhanjiang Party Chief Wei Hongguang announces the construction of the public deep-water wharf project in Donghai Island harbor district, Zhanjiang, April 27. [Photo by Lang Shuchen / Zhanjiang Daily]

Zhanjiang Port has ushered in a new milestone with the announcement of the construction of the first public deep-water wharf in Donghai Island harbor district started on April 27.

As the first public dock in the Donghai Island harbor area, it is expected to be of great significance to the ports' surrounding heavy industry. It also means the four professional harbor districts of Zhanjiang Port, including Xiashan, Tiaoshun Island, Baoman and Donghai Island, will work together to exert advantages as pivot harbors in China's Belt and Road Initiative.

The Zhanjiang Port, opened in May 1956, is the first modern seaport designed and built after the founding of the PRC. It has grown into the main port in southwestern coastal area and a pivot port hub along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which connects China with Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe.

The Donghai Island harbor district was approved to open by the State Council in August 2014. The public deep-water wharf project will see a total investment of around 900 million yuan ($138.98 million), with its annual capacity reaching 8 million metric tons.