Signing of the agreement on cooperation between the Port of Ningbo and the Port of Gdansk

02.08.2005

On Monday, 1 August 2005, in the Port of Gdansk, the agreement on cooperation was signed between the Chinese Port of Ningbo and the Polish Port of Gdansk. Representatives of the Chinese port had already paid a visit to the Port of Gdansk in August last year, expressing their interest in setting up the cooperation. The talks resulted in the initialing of the agreement, whilst further discussions held throughout the year between representatives of both ports brought about another visit and the signing of the agreement on cooperation. The agreement was signed by Andrzej Kasprzak, President of the Board of the Port of Gdansk Authority SA and Li Linghong, President of the Port of Ningbo.

Deepsea and free from strong winds and sea waves, the Port of Ningbo is situated near Shanghai (within 2 hour's drive) and ranks among the most rapidly growing ports. By the year 2007, it is expected to attain the turnover at about 250 million tonnes and 7 million TEU (20-feet containers). Such a result will place it among the five leading Chinese ports and among the 15 world ports with the largest volume of container turnover.

The forecasted outcome is entirely reliable on the account that already in 2003 the turnover in the Port of Ningbo had amounted to 185 million tonnes and 3 million TEU, which indicated a growth by 49% in the container turnover year-on-year, as well as a 20% growth in the overall turnover. This rate of growth was also predicted for the next years. Major cargo groups processed in the Port of Ningbo include ore, containers, oil and oil products, liquid chemicals, coal and, so-called, other bulk, as well as general cargo. Boasting the superb natural conditions, the Port of Ningbo is composed of five port sections with 191 operational quays, of which 39 quays suited to the handling of vessels with a tonnage above 10 thou. tonnes. The fuel terminal can accommodate 250-thousand-tonnage ships, whilst the ore terminal - even 300-thousand-tonnage ships. Container terminals, on the other hand, are suited to the handling of the 6th generation container carriers.

In overall terms, the Port of Ningbo provides services to vessels sailing to 560 ports in 90 countries worldwide. The number of container lines alone, handled by the Port of Ningbo, stands at 110. The extensive development of the port coupled by the growth in turnover attracts a great interest of business partners. Twenty shipping companies listed first in the world ratings established their agencies in the Port of Ningbo, whereas the port is renowned for the excellent coordination of services and cooperation with its clients in terms of inspection services and activities of institutions operating in the port area.

Andrzej Kasprzak, President of the Board of the Port of Gdansk Authority SA: - It is worthwhile to highlight the similar cargo handling structure in the ports of Ningbo and Gdansk, which presents an opportunity for real cooperation. The Port of Gdansk also has a terminal suited to the handling of liquid fuels, a coal terminal, the Gdansk Container Terminal is operating in the port grounds, a construction has commenced on the deepsea container terminal in the Northern Port and, additionally, a liquid chemicals terminal is expected to be launched. It is natural, therefore, that the Port of Ningbo, which is seeking to set up the cooperation with a port in this region of the world and analyzing the cargo handling structure as well as the pace of growth, has considered the Port of Gdansk as the prospective partner for cooperation.

Li Linghong, President of Ningbo Port Group Ltd: - This is the first such agreement to be signed between Chinese and Polish ports. The Port of Gdansk proves of particular interest to us, also in the context of Poland having entered the European Union. This is my strong belief that we can mutually share a great deal of interesting experience in a broad variety of fields. I can see extensive opportunities in the expanded cooperation. Another meeting, this time in the Port of Ningbo, should bring about a large number of specific arrangements that will define our cooperation.

The aim of the agreement, which was signed for two years (with the option for further extension), is the development of technological and cultural cooperation between the ports. The agreement covers areas related to the planning of joint business ventures aimed at the intensifying of maritime traffic between the ports of Ningbo and Gdansk and creating conducive grounds for the exchange of experience and knowledge in terms of the flow of information, as well as the technological, professional and staff training. Additionally, the document provides for the supporting, within the scope of its competence, of bilateral or multinational business contracts entered by Poland and China. In the wake of the agreement signed, more detailed agreements were announced that will relate to cargo flows, among other things.

Attending the meeting, Shao Zhanwei, Deputy Mayor of the City of Ningbo and Pawel Adamowicz, Mayor of the City of Gdansk expressed their firm conviction that the agreement signed was set to become a significant stimulus also to developing the cooperation between the cities. Xu Min, Consul of the General Consulate in Gdansk, declared versatile assistance towards expanding this cooperation.