Dalian Port

Dalian Port is a crucial maritime gateway located in the southern part of Dalian Bay (大连湾) on the Liaodong Peninsula (辽东半岛). It plays a significant role as a maritime entrance to the Pacific Ocean for Northeast China, linking the region to global trade routes. Established in 1899, it has grown into a modern port and transportation hub.

Geographical Importance

  • Coordinates: 38°55′44″N latitude, 121°39′17″E longitude

  • Region: Positioned at the heart of the Northeast Asia Economic Zone (东北亚经济圈), Dalian Port is strategically located for accessing both international and regional shipping routes, making it a key player in Northeast China’s economic activities.

Historical Background

Early History

  • 1896: Dalian Port’s development was triggered by the Sino-Russian Secret Agreement (中俄密约), which led to Russian colonial control over the area.

  • 1898: Following the Treaty of Port Arthur (旅大租地条约), Dalian Bay was leased to Russia, cementing its significance as a major port.

  • 1899: The Russian Empire officially declared Dalian a free port, marking the beginning of its development as an international trading hub.

World War II and Post-War Era

  • 1904: During the Russo-Japanese War, Dalian Port was occupied by Japanese forces.

  • 1945: The port was taken over by the Soviet Red Army (苏联红军) after WWII.

  • 1951: Dalian Port was handed over to the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国).

Modernization and Expansion

  • 1976: The construction of China’s first large-scale crude oil export terminal (原油出口码头) in Niuyu Bay (鲇鱼湾) initiated Dalian Port’s expansion into a major industrial hub.

  • 1980s-1990s: The port expanded by developing new areas like Xianglujiao Port Area (香炉礁港区) and Dayao Bay (大窑湾), as well as deep-water zones to accommodate larger vessels.

  • 2005: The old port area underwent significant renovation and relocation to modernize infrastructure.

Recent Developments

  • 2017: Dalian Port achieved a record 4.51 million tons of cargo throughput, further expanding its container handling capacity.

  • 2024: The port introduced direct shipping routes to South America and Mexico and is set to launch new routes to Europe and the Mediterranean in 2025.

  • 2024-2035 Development Plan: The Liaoning Province Coastal Port Layout Plan (辽宁省沿海港口布局规划) aims to make Dalian Port a central international hub with improved services for large-scale industrial projects.

Climate and Environmental Conditions

Weather Patterns

  • Wind: The port experiences north to northeast winds during the winter, while the summer months bring southern and southeast winds.

  • Precipitation: The region has an annual rainfall of 659mm, with the heaviest rainfall occurring between July and September.

  • Fog: The fog season extends from March to August, with visibility dropping below 1 km on average for 31.6 days in Dalian Bay and 55 days in Dayao Bay.

  • Temperature: The annual average temperature is 10.4°C, with extremes ranging from -20.1°C in winter to 35.3°C in summer.

Tidal and Hydrological Features

  • Dalian Port experiences semi-diurnal mixed tides. The highest recorded tide reaches 4.6 meters, while the lowest tide reaches 0.66 meters. The average tidal range is 2.14 meters, and the tidal currents in the bay and surrounding areas range from 0.32 to 0.64 m/s.

Port Facilities and Infrastructure

Specialized Terminals and Berths

As of 2019, Dalian Port operates over 100 specialized terminals, including those for oil, containers, bulk goods, and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) services. Among these, over 70 berths can accommodate vessels with a capacity of more than 10,000 tons.

  • Crude Oil and Chemical Products: The port handles a substantial volume of crude oil, finished petroleum products, and liquid chemicals.

  • Grain and Bulk Goods: Dalian Port is a key player in handling grain, coal, and bulk minerals, providing significant support for Northeast China’s industrial sector.

Rail and Road Connectivity

  • Rail: The port is linked to the Dayaowan Area (大窑湾) and Dalian Bay via an integrated rail network, facilitating efficient transportation of goods.

  • Highways: Dalian Port connects to national highways, with the Shenda Expressway (沈大高速公路) serving as the main link to Northeast China’s road network. Additionally, it is connected to Russia and North Korea through the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Container Handling and Cargo Capacity

  • Container Terminals: The port boasts modern container facilities and can handle a significant volume of international shipping, especially in general cargo and containerized goods.

  • Storage and Warehousing: The port provides over 550,000 square meters of storage space, capable of handling up to 8.5 million tons of ores at once.

Economic Impact and Business Operations

Primary Business Areas

  • Dalian Port’s main operations include handling oil products, containers, general cargo, and passenger services.

  • The port plays a pivotal role in the supply chain for industries such as shipbuilding, coal and energy production (e.g., power plants like Beihai Power Plant (北海电厂)) and electrical power generation.

Trade Routes

  • Domestic Routes: Dalian Port connects to other major ports in China, including Yantai, Weihai, Penglai, Dongying, Tianjin, and Changhai County.

  • International Routes: Dalian Port also runs international routes to Incheon, South Korea, and has recently expanded to South America and Mexico.

Cargo Volume and Passenger Traffic

  • In 2017, Dalian Port handled 451 million tons of cargo.

  • The port’s container throughput in recent years has shown substantial growth, with foreign trade containers increasing by 10%.

Technological Advancements and Future Outlook

Technological Innovations

  • Automation and Digitalization: Dalian Port continues to invest in smart port technologies to enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. This includes the implementation of advanced automation systems for container handling and cargo management.

Future Development Plans

  • Dalian Port’s development plan for 2024-2035 focuses on enhancing its role as an international hub, with plans to expand facilities such as the Taiping Bay (太平湾) area for grain handling and general cargo operations.

  • The port’s efforts to expand and modernize will allow it to accommodate increasingly larger vessels and meet growing demand in international trade.

Recognition and Achievements

Honors and Awards

  • 1987: Dalian Port was awarded the title of “China Health Port” (中国卫生港) for its commitment to environmental standards and hygiene.

  • 2019: Dalian Port was included in the “Chinese Industrial Heritage Protection Directory” (中国工业遗产保护名录), acknowledging its historical significance and industrial legacy.

Economic Contributions

Dalian Port is a cornerstone of the regional economy, especially in the areas of mineral exports, petroleum shipping, and global logistics. The port’s ability to handle ultra-large vessels and manage a diverse range of goods contributes to both local and national economic growth, positioning it as a key player in Northeast Asia’s industrial activities.

Dalian Port: A Comprehensive Ferry Travel Guide

COSCO Shipping Ferry Overview

Company Introduction and Features

COSCO Shipping Ferry Co., Ltd., the official platform for COSCO Shipping Ferry’s information, is dedicated to providing comprehensive news updates, corporate culture achievements, real-time operational route information, and travel services. Through this platform, you can easily access the latest information on COSCO Shipping Ferry, supporting your travel with all the necessary resources.

COSCO Shipping Ferry Co., Ltd. is not only known for its diverse operational routes and professional travel services but also showcases a wealth of information through its public platform. Here, we publish original content to delve into the latest news, corporate achievements, and real-time information on operational routes. Through this platform, you can stay up-to-date with the latest news from COSCO Shipping Ferry, providing you with comprehensive support for your journey.

Dalian Port Ferry Guide

To help you travel efficiently and return with peace of mind, COSCO Shipping Ferry has carefully crafted the Dalian Port Ferry Guide. This guide thoroughly explains the entire process of boarding with a car and offers many practical tips to help you navigate busy periods. The travel tips are organized to make your journey easy and stress-free.

The content of this guide revolves around two main sections: Route Guidance and Boarding Process. This guide is designed to help you easily understand the key steps of ferry travel, ensuring you’re well-prepared before your trip and can handle the process with ease. Let’s get started and make your journey enjoyable!

Travel and Boarding Process

Route Guidance

If you are traveling with companions, we recommend planning the trip together in advance. After picking up your tickets, car owners can drive directly into the port area through Gate 3 of Dalian Port (大连港). Other passengers will need to go to the Dalian Port Passenger Terminal (大连港旅客候船厅) to collect their tickets. Here, you can collect all passenger and vehicle tickets for everyone in your party, and if you need receipts for reimbursement, you can also get them at the same time. Once you have your ticket, you can board the ferry directly with just your ID card, saving you the trouble of any additional steps.

Self-Driving Guide

If you are driving, please pay attention to the lane choice when heading to Gate 3 of Dalian Port. This section of the road is very busy, so make sure to stay in the rightmost lane (the middle lane leads to the undersea tunnel, while the right lane is used exclusively for the port exit road). Taking the wrong lane could lead to traffic congestion, delaying your boarding time.

Boarding Process and Ticketing

After passing through Gate 3, drive straight for about 300 meters and you will arrive at the COSCO Shipping Ferry Ticket Office (中远海运客运售票处). Here, you can easily purchase or pick up your tickets, avoiding the hassle of long queues.

Once you’ve collected your tickets, follow the signs and walk for approximately 100 meters to reach the Vehicle Security Checkpoint (轿车安检口). You’ll need to show your ferry ticket and ID card to the staff and receive a vehicle inspection slip. After completing these steps, you can enter the port and wait for your journey to begin.

Customer Service and Additional Information

For any questions or assistance during your journey, feel free to contact customer service at 0411-82630157 (available from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM). We are committed to providing you with full support for a smooth journey.

Extra Information and Policies

Customer Service and Future Guides

Have you mastered this travel guide? Look forward to the next edition of the Dalian Bay Ferry Guide, where we will bring you more useful travel information.

Ticketing Services and Purchasing Tips

To ensure a smooth and seamless trip, here are some helpful tips for purchasing tickets:

  • Plan Ahead: It’s advisable to purchase tickets in advance to avoid any delays.

  • Ticket Options: Choose your preferred method of purchasing tickets, whether online or offline, to make the most of your journey.

We offer comprehensive COSCO Shipping Ferry services, including online ticket booking for Bohai Bay ferries, real-time schedules, special promotions, company branding, ship displays, weather forecasts, travel consultation, online Q&A support, and complete intermodal transport services for your journey from ticket purchase to post-departure transportation.