Latest Shipping Port News

There have been several rumours circulating that new ports will open up soon, namely Lian Yun (連雲港) and Ningbo (寧波) port.

Lian Yun port is not able to handle fireworks and neither is Ningbo. There is no ocean vessel going through Lian Yun port so fireworks need to transport back to Shanghai. The port is also 250 miles north of Shanghai so it is much more expensive from Liuyang to go there, and back down to Shanghai. The only advantage for opening up this port or Ningbo, is when Shanghai decides to close the port for fireworks during the Expo 2010 (from May 1st to Oct 31st, 2010). Then we can send the cargo to Lian Yun or Ningbo for loading (if there is a ban in Shanghai).

After a recent safety meeting in Liuyang, there were some discussions with the Deputy Liuyang City Secretary. The government is trying to open more ports like Lian Yun or Ningbo, just in case Shanghai decides not to take any fireworks during the Expo. The Secretary also indicated that does not look likely Nan Sha port will reopen to fireworks. Guangxi's Beihai govenment had a meeting with Liuyang government, and indicated that Beihai government wants to stop fireworks from Beihai port, and open up Tie Shan Port (鐵山港). However, that would require some investment to upgrade the port facility before the port can handle fireworks. Beihai government is asking Liuyang government to invest.

Many people are actively working on opening more ports for fireworks but it is a lengthy process and one that will take at least a few years.

If you haven't seen it ... Atlantis Hotel opening in Dubai

Good resolution CNN footage but stops after 5 minutes.


Low quality but full length


Link to BBC Video Footage of event
Fiery spectacle opens Dubai hotel
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7740887.stm

China Export Tax Rebate for fireworks to be increased to 13% after December 1st 2008.

The current Export Tax Rebate is at 5% which was reduced from 13% in June 2007. It has been confirmed that fireworks has been included in the next round of Tax Rebate increase and for exports after December 1st, 2008, the rate will go back to 13%.

Vulcan 10" Shell - UN Classification 6a

This was a Vulcan 10" Shell - UN 6a test