XZB(SH:603040) He Nan Ri Bao·2026-01-23 23:37Core Insights - The article highlights the operational success of Zhoukou Steel's (周钢) world-first 5600mm ultra-wide plate production line, which is a significant advancement in the steel industry [1][3] - Zhoukou's strategic positioning as a modern inland port is emphasized, showcasing its development into a logistics hub that enhances regional economic growth [2][4] Group 1: Company Developments - Zhoukou Steel's ultra-wide plate production line, which is 17 meters tall and weighs 3100 tons, is set to begin trial operations by the end of October 2024, allowing for plate widths up to 5300mm and thicknesses up to 300mm [1] - The company has optimized its logistics by utilizing water transport for nearly all of its iron ore, with an annual transport volume of approximately 3 million tons, significantly reducing transportation costs compared to rail [4] Group 2: Industry and Regional Impact - Zhoukou's port development strategy includes the establishment of a modern inland shipping hub, with the first phase of the Zhoukou Port Center scheduled to open in December 2025, marking it as the first dedicated container terminal in the province [2] - The port system, described as "one port, ten zones, and one core," aims to transform the regional economy from a "channel economy" to an "economic channel," facilitating better integration into the national market [4] - By 2030, the province's port industry is projected to exceed a trillion yuan in total scale, with the emergence of over nine trillion-level port industry clusters, positioning Zhoukou at the forefront of this development [4]