Pinglu Canal to Open for Navigation on September 16
China's Pinglu Canal, a newly constructed waterway connecting inland rivers to the sea, is scheduled to open on September 16. The canal significantly reduces shipping distances for southwestern regions.
The Pinglu Canal, a major new waterway in China, will commence navigation on September 16. This project connects the Xijiang River, a major tributary of the Pearl River, directly to the Beibu Gulf, offering a vital new maritime route for goods originating from or destined for China's southwestern hinterland.
Stretching 134.2 kilometers, the canal is described as a key component of the New Western Land-Sea Corridor. Its opening is expected to shorten the shipping distance to the sea by 560 kilometers, potentially saving 7 to 15 days in transit time. This aims to provide a more economical and efficient passage for bulk cargo.
Engineers overcame a significant 65-meter elevation difference using three tiered lock systems: Madao, Qishi, and Qingnian. The Madao lock is highlighted for its record water-saving capabilities and the largest lift height in a provincial-level canal, reaching 29.6 meters, equivalent to a ten-story building. The internal dimensions of the Madao lock are also substantial, accommodating multiple 5,000-ton vessels simultaneously.
Furthermore, the Madao and Qishi locks feature the world's fastest valve opening and closing speeds for water-saving locks. The Pinglu Canal is designed for 5,000-ton class vessels, representing a high navigation standard for inland waterways. The construction involved extensive excavation, moving approximately 315 million cubic meters of earth and rock.