Core Viewpoint - The construction of the Pinglu Canal is a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing transportation and trade capabilities for Guangxi and the southwestern region of China, facilitating direct access to the sea and international markets [1][3]. Geographic Perspective - The Pinglu Canal connects various waterways in Guangxi, allowing goods from the region to reach the sea and access ASEAN and global markets. It links to the Xijiang shipping trunk line and is designed to accommodate 5,000-ton vessels [2]. Development Philosophy - The project addresses historical transportation limitations in Guangxi, which has struggled with a lack of direct waterways to the sea. The canal is part of national strategies to enhance the North Bay Economic Zone and improve regional logistics [3]. Economic Benefits - The canal is expected to significantly reduce shipping distances, saving over 5.2 billion yuan in annual freight costs by shortening inland shipping routes by more than 560 kilometers compared to routes through Guangzhou [4]. Project Scale - The Pinglu Canal includes a 134.2-kilometer waterway, three dual-line ship locks, and 27 newly constructed or renovated bridges, representing a substantial engineering undertaking [5]. Construction Challenges - The project faces complex environmental and resource constraints, requiring innovative construction methods to ensure safety, low carbon emissions, and efficiency [6]. Progress Metrics - The total earthwork excavation for the project is approximately 315 million cubic meters, equivalent to nearly three times the excavation volume of the Three Gorges Dam. Concrete pouring for the locks is about 5.84 million cubic meters, enough to fill over 2,300 standard swimming pools [7]. Water Resource Management - The canal requires approximately 1 billion cubic meters of water annually to support 5,000-ton vessels, with water sourced from the Xijiang River to meet this demand without affecting the Pearl River's flow [8][9]. Industrial Development - The Pinglu Canal is expected to stimulate economic growth by attracting key industrial projects, such as a lithium carbonate production facility and a major paper industry project, thereby enhancing cargo availability for the canal [11]. Infrastructure Upgrades - To maximize the canal's shipping efficiency, upgrades to port facilities and inland waterways are essential, including enhancements to the existing infrastructure at Nanning Port to accommodate larger vessels [11].
历经三年多建设 平陆运河雄姿初现——一河激活北部湾（产经观察·收官之际看工程）
Ren Min Ri Bao·2025-11-11 22:46