Upgraded port services for ships carrying imported fruit

The Yangshan Port maritime authority has upgraded services for international ships carrying imported fruit into Shanghai to ensure smooth transportation and freshness of produce.

According to the Yangshan Port maritime administration, which is in charge of the Yangshan Port and Nangang Port in Pudong, the upgraded service includes early communication with cargo operators to provide information such as the port environment and security inspection requirements.

Earlier this month, a ship carrying kiwifruit imported from New Zealand became involved in a dispute with local fishing boats when entering Nangang Port. The ship was not familiar with the port and damaged some fishing nets. The dispute caused delays in the transportation of the fruit.

At least seven more ships carrying imported kiwifruit will enter Shanghai ports in the next two months.

The ships will also be informed of flood tide times to better plan their routes. And the maritime authority will provide a round-the-clock routine security inspection on docking.

“We are grateful for the Shanghai port authority's efficiency, as storage and smooth transport are crucial in our business," said Zespri China General Manager Jiang Shijie. 

According to Jiang, the company sold more than 27 million boxes of Zespri kiwifruit in China last year. China has become the biggest market for the New Zealand fruit. 

Sales figure will continue to grow this year, with about 60 percent of the imported fruit to enter China through Shanghai’s ports.

Imported citrus and other fruit will enter China through Shanghai ports in the latter part of the year. The cargo carriers will benefit from the upgraded service.

Ti Gong