中部经济大省，再获一港

Core Insights - Pingdingshan Port has officially opened, serving as a key hub in Henan's inland waterway transportation system and a core node for multimodal transport in southwestern Henan, which is expected to boost local economic development significantly [1][4] Infrastructure and Capacity - The port covers an area of 562.8 acres, featuring two main areas with 11 berths capable of handling 500 tons each, and equipped with modern loading and unloading equipment, aiming for a comprehensive throughput capacity of 5.1 million tons, including an annual container throughput capacity of 20,000 TEUs [1][4] - The opening of Pingdingshan Port allows for the full navigation of the main waterway of the Shahe and Shayong Rivers, making Pingdingshan the fourth cargo navigation city in Henan, following Zhoukou, Xinyang, and Luohe [1] Historical Context and Strategic Importance - Historically, Henan was a major water transport province with extensive navigable rivers, but its status declined with the rise of rail and road transport [2] - The 2022 "Henan Province Inland Waterway and Port Layout Plan (2022-2035)" aims to revitalize water transport, with a goal to achieve a port cargo throughput of over 100 million tons and an investment of 100 billion yuan over 3 to 5 years [2][4] Economic Impact and Future Plans - Pingdingshan is rich in mineral resources, with coal reserves accounting for 51% of the province's total and iron ore reserves at 76%, indicating a strong demand for logistics services, particularly water transport [4] - In 2024, Henan's port throughput reached 60.85 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 29.78%, while container throughput grew by 20.4% [4] - Plans for 2025 include an investment of 20 billion yuan in water transport infrastructure, surpassing the combined investments of Hubei and Hunan [4]