On May 18, 2026, the preliminary design and engineering estimate of the second phase of the Yangtze River Estuary South Channel Regulation Project were approved by the Ministry of Transport and the National Development and Reform Commission, respectively. This 86 kilometer long sea channel will jump from a depth of 6 meters to 8 meters, which can meet the bi-directional navigation of 10000 ton ships loaded with tides, with a total investment of 2.86 billion yuan.

The construction period of the three major sections is about 4.5 years

The project is divided into three sections: Section I has a bucket foundation semi-circular embankment at 5.7 kilometers, Section II has a semi-circular mixed embankment at 5.6 kilometers, and Section III has a bagged sand slope embankment at 12.7 kilometers. The construction period for each section is 1643 calendar days, approximately 4.5 years. The dredging project has a length of about 36 kilometers and a dredging volume of 33.12 million cubic meters. The construction bidding has been completed by December 2025.

Dual Deep Water Pattern of North and South Troughs

After the completion of the second phase of the South Channel, a dual deep-water channel pattern of 12.5 meters in the North Channel and 8 meters in the South Channel will be formed at the mouth of the Yangtze River. The northern channel ensures the navigation of large vessels of over 30000 tons, while the southern channel achieves bi-directional navigation of 10000 ton vessels loaded with tides. The project will simultaneously construct a dynamic perception system for waterway navigation safety, promoting the transformation and upgrading of the Yangtze River estuary waterway towards greening and intelligence. Keywords: Infrastructure Engineering News Network, Yangtze River Shipping

Serving Shanghai International Shipping Center

This project is a key water transportation infrastructure project promoted by the country in the 15th Five Year Plan period, and also a key project to accelerate the construction of Shanghai International Shipping Center. After completion, it will enhance the throughput capacity of the Yangtze River estuary, provide water transportation support for the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, and consolidate the hub position of Shanghai Port as the world's largest container port.Editor/Gao Xue