Taizhou Port speeds up iron ore clearance with green channel services

Taizhou Port. [Photo/Taizhou Maritime Safety Bureau]

A vessel from Iran carrying 48,000 metric tons of high-grade iron ore docked smoothly at the China Railway Construction Wharf of Taizhou Port on April 28, with the cargo swiftly cleared through a green customs clearance channel and quickly put into production use.

As a major iron ore handling hub at Taizhou port, the China Railway Construction Wharf handled 2.03 million tons of iron ore in the first quarter of this year, accounting for 63.4 percent of the terminal's total throughput.

Due to the large cargo volumes and tight operation schedules of iron ore carriers, efficient customs clearance and rapid terminal turnover are essential. Delays during inspections can lead to extended port stays, disrupt shipping schedules and affect the supply of raw materials for downstream enterprises.

To address these challenges, the Taizhou Immigration Inspection Station coordinated with port operators and shipping agents three working days in advance, tracking vessel routes, berthing schedules and cargo information.

"We have opened a dedicated green channel for bulk commodity clearance and implemented a 24-hour inspection service," said Hu Hongwei, an officer at the station. "Officers board vessels immediately upon arrival to optimize procedures and shorten processing times, ensuring ships can be inspected, berthed and unloaded without delay."

In the first quarter, the station handled 11 iron ore vessels, up 10 percent year-on-year. On average, each vessel saved nearly two hours of port stay time, reducing demurrage charges, freight forwarding expenses, and logistics costs for enterprises.

Wang Jian, director of the border inspection department at the station, said the station will continue to introduce tailored services for key enterprises, further reducing vessel turnaround time and helping businesses improve efficiency and lower costs.