Dalian Port was, at one time, the number one port in China. Not any longer but it is making a strong comeback and hopes to become a shipping hub for Northeast Asia.

This come-back process started last May when China’s largest mineral ore berth started trial operations. A month later it announced it had opened more ocean routes and lifted its container volume.

In July, Dalian Port began trial operations of China’s largest crude oil berth and started construction of giant auto berths.

Dalian is not the only port expanding and modernizing in the north east. There is, as it were, a three-port battle for Northeast Asia hub status.

The other two vying for the status are Tianjin and Qingdao.

Tianjin leads the northern trio in general cargo volume and is expected to further increase the gap this year by boosting general cargo capacity by 42 million tons and container capacity by 1.5 million TEUs.

Qingdao is China’s third largest container port after Shanghai and Shenzhen and its general cargo volume is also more than that of Dalian.

Dalian Port also faces fresh competition from the neighboring ports of Yingkou and Jinzhou.

Hui Kai, director of the Dalian Port Authority, is aware of the port’s deficiencies being outnumbered in container terminals and general cargo berths. But he said, ‘By 2010, Dalian will be able to handle 250 million tons of general cargo and 10 million TEUs of containers. And by 2020, the port will lift its capacity to 350 million tons of general cargo and 15 million TEUs of containers.’