The pilot reform program the local government in Ningbo City of east China's Zhejiang Province launched in May to improve shipping efficiency at Zhoushan port has proven effective and has now become a model for all Chinese ports.
Comprised of 1,390 islands, the Zhoushan archipelago in east China's Zhejiang Province serves as an important maritime gateway between China and the rest of the world. It's strategic location off the coast of Zhejiang is easy for ships to sail in and out of.
Situated at the crossroads of China's inland waterway and coastal shipping routes, it imports tens of millions of crude oil and iron ore annually.
But for every ship coming in, there is a critical step: getting permission from Chinese authorities.
"When a ship enters Zhoushan port, its crew needs to report all the information about the cargo they're carrying and the crew members on board. Previously companies needed to come here and submit paper documents for our verification, but now this is all done online," said Chen Xinjian, Head of 1st Supervision and Inspection Department of Zhoushan Customs.
The process used to be time-consuming and arduous.
Not only did ships have to physically report to multiple authorities including the Maritime Safety Administration, customs and immigration inspectors, but a lot of the times the required documents simply overlapped.
To create a better business environment for international trade, in May of this year the port of Zhoushan started a reform program that streamlines approval procedures for ships coming in and out. That, according to port administration authorities, has greatly improved shipping efficiency.
"Except for visas and temporary entry permits for crew members, all other necessary documents can now be submitted just once through a single online window. It reduces the clearance time from 16 hours to just two hours," said Wang Xiaochun, staff member from Zhoushan Port Management Office.
As for shipping agencies, fewer formalities translate into direct economic benefits.
"Some of the docks are located in quite remote areas and commuting back and forth takes about four to five hours. With the new policy we can now save a lot of time that was once wasted on the road just delivering the documents, and now our ships can depart as soon as they finish unloading," said Jiang Tao, Manager of Shipping Department of China Ocean Shipping Agency at Zhoushan.
Sources:cctvplus
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