Huanghua port handled a total 200.04 million tonnes of coal in the year to December 6, up 2.1% year over year and hitting the 200-million-tonne milestone seven days earlier than in 2023.

Huanghua port in northern Hebei province has become China's largest port for coal transportation, playing a vital role in the country's "West-to-East" and "North-to-South" coal shipments.

The port's coal handlings, accounting for one-third of northern ports' total, surpassed 200 million tonnes for five consecutive years, and led other northern coal ports for the sixth year in a row, according to operator Huanghua Port Co., Ltd.

It is also the world's first bulk cargo port with full-process intelligence, embracing digitalized, low-carbon and green development.

Over December 9-12, Huanghua port shipped 632,500 tonnes of coal averagely each day, Sxcoal data showed. Coal stocks at the port stood at 1.85 million tonnes as of December 13, the lowest in a month.

Despite a decline in the proportion of coal transported from northern ports amid global economic turmoil, domestic energy transition and slow coal consumption growth, Huanghua port has continued to see steady growth in throughput, thanks to innovative strategies and robust operational measures.

The port implemented an advanced production scheduling and command system in 2023, enabling rapid coal transfers and enhancing collaborative efficiency. It also has developed a comprehensive meteorological monitoring and alert system, helping mitigate the impacts of adverse weather throughout the year.

It has also extended the peak supply strategy in winter to the summer months, ensuring stable operations and reliable coal supplies year-round and strengthening market confidence in the port's ability to maintain supply continuity under extreme conditions.

Meanwhile, Guoneng Huanghua Port has prioritized a dual focus on production efficiency and equipment maintenance. The company completed 663 major maintenance projects this year, rising 8.6% from the year before, with a completion rate of 104%. Equipment reliability remained high at 99.64%.

As winter sets in, the company has ramped up efforts to address challenges posed by low temperatures, strong winds, and other adverse weather conditions, reinforcing its commitment to energy security and stability.