Shenzhen-Zhongshan Passage boasts world’s highest net height

The net height of the Lingding navigation channel, measuring 76.5 meters, is the highest in the world.

The channel is part of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Passage, a major transportation infrastructure project of the Planning and Development Plan for the Pearl River Delta Region (2008-2020) approved by the State Council.

The construction of the project has important strategic significance for implementing the Belt and Road Initiative and promoting the in-depth integration and development of the urban agglomerations of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The passage adopts the scheme of east-tunnel and west-bridge, which is a scientific plan developed over 14 years of full research and demonstration. It has been recognized by domestic and foreign authorities and experts.

It is the product of more than 60 special research projects about construction conditions, key technologies, pre-preparation, design parameters and other matters.

Comprehensive comparison of expected traffic functions, construction condition adaptability, safety risk levels, environmental impact, construction periods and costs has been completed.

At the same time, a parallel deep demonstration of any possible valuable cross-sea engineering projects was also conducted.

It also takes full account of the navigation requirements of all representative ship types in Guangzhou Port, the development needs of large-scale ships in the future, and the demand for special engineering ships and offshore equipment to meet the needs of Guangzhou Nansha Port shipping development.

The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Passage Management Center has formulated an overall construction organization plan for the project, and participating units are making every effort to promote its completion.

As of the end of April, the project had required total investment of 6.16 billion yuan($890 million), accounting for 13.78 percent of the estimated budget of 44.70 billion yuan. The project is progressing smoothly and is scheduled to be opened to traffic in 2024.