Hey everyone! Grab your coffee ☕ because we've got exciting news from south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The Pinglu Canal, a flagship project under China's New Western Land-Sea Corridor, is set to revolutionize shipping with the world's largest inland water-saving ship lock!
Stretching over 134.2 kilometers, the canal starts at the Xijin Reservoir in Hengzhou, winds through Qinzhou, and flows into the Beibu Gulf. Built to Class I inland waterway standards, it will host mega 5,000-tonne vessels while cutting shipping routes by over 560 kilometers 🚢—providing a more direct access to ASEAN markets.
The star of this project is the Madao Junction. To tackle a 65-meter elevation difference, this double-lane lock measures 300 meters long, 34 meters wide, and 8 meters deep, with an impressive 29.6-meter operating head. Its three-level water-saving chambers can save 60% of the water normally lost when lifting ships, blending cutting-edge design with eco-friendly innovation 🌱!
More than a simple shipping route, the canal also enhances water supply, irrigation, flood control, and ecological improvement. It promises to become a key logistics artery, driving regional integration, boosting trade, and transforming local resource strengths into new growth opportunities.
Set for completion in 2026, the Pinglu Canal is an engineering marvel that supports Guangxi's dynamic development initiatives. Stay tuned for more updates on this game-changing project!
Reference(s):
Pinglu Canal to feature world's largest Iinland water-saving ship lock
cgtn.com
