Abstract This paper examines how in 2009, a monumental undertaking that began in China in 1994 is planned for completion and how the Three Gorges Dam project on the Yangtze River is expected to be the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. It looks at the history behind the project and how the balancing act between development and economic issues on one hand, and other concerns such as the environment and antiquities and resettlement on the other, has long been a challenge for China.
From the Paper "In 1979, economic reforms and the desire to expand industry encouraged construction to restart. The number of critics grew. Leaders from Chongqing demanded that the dam height be raised. Some environmentalists were angered that the dam would cause rather than solve more problems and were concerned about the destruction of natural land. Human rights activists refuted the resettlement plan. Archeologists objected that many historical sites would end up under water. Most notably would be sites that are remnants of the homeland of the Ba, an ancient people who settled in the region about 4,000 years ago. Further, a number of engineers began wondering if the dam would solve the necessary problems. "
Abstract This report provides an introduction to the current development of Yangtze River transportation in the aspects of economy, hinterland, dredging and container port. A further development plan of Yangtze River as well as a blueprint of dredging work announced by the central government are also briefly revealed. Finally, an introduction to three of the top five ports along the Yangtze River are given, in addition to PSA's China's prior research work on the remaining two of the top five ports i.e. Taicang and Zhangjiagang.
Outline:
Brief Introduction on Yangtze River
Economy & Hinterland
Yangtze River Transport
Development in Yangtze River Transportation
Port Along Yangtze River
Further Development Plan of Yangtze River
Dredging
The whole truck line
Responsible parties
Blueprint of dredging work
Lower Reaches
Brief Introduction on 3 of the Top 5 Ports Along Yangtze River
Nanjing
Wuhan
Chongqing
From the Paper "The emergence of important cities and industrial belt along the Yangtze is closely related to shipping on the river. By transporting raw materials, components and finished goods to and from industrial bases, the river plays a vital role in Yangtze region today. Statistics shows that the Yangtze Rivers carries 80% of the iron ore, 72% of the crude oil and 83% of the coal demanded by large factories and enterprises along the river. In some provinces and cities, more than 80% of foreign trade relies on the Yangtze River. Moreover, the transport of liquefied petroleum gas, chemicals and asphalt, as well as ro-ro transport, are also developing rapidly."
"According to the Yangtze Administration of Navigational Affairs, cargo throughput on the Yangtze reached 990m tons in 2006, 3.5 times as much as in 2000, and 3.8m TEU, 5.6 times higher than that of in 2000, making it the world's largest river in terms of freight volume."
