Zhuhai aims to continually boost the growth of its marine economy and build a new industrial engine as 15 new projects worth 14.98 billion yuan ($2.2 billion) have signed to settle into the city on Feb 12. 

Eighteen projects, including those focusing on marine fisheries, equipment, and island tourism, with total investment of 6.98 billion yuan ($1.02 billion) were announced to begin construction that day. Simultaneously, another five projects, which were constructed at a cost of 601 million yuan ($88 million), commenced operations.

The project in south Hezhou features the integration of fishery and photovoltaic power generation. It has a total area of 26 square kilometers (10 sq miles) and an installed capacity of 2 GW. Once operational, it will be capable of generating 2.2 billion kilowatt hours of electricity.

Feb 12 contract signing ceremony on Dong'ao Island [Photo by Liang Guanxian / WeChat account: zhuhaifabu]

Guo Guiqin of Huafa Urban Operation noted that Phase I of the project will finish construction at the end of 2023, and will drive the green energy development in Zhuhai. 

The launching ceremony of a new shipping route that connects Jiuzhou Port Passenger Terminal and Sanjiao Island was concurrently held on that day. Sanjiao Island is the first uninhabited island in China that went through development under the "public welfare + tourism" model.

The island is now known as Changqin Island and will feature international music and leisure facilities. This is the beginning of an island tourism complex that integrates science popularization, themed experiences, marine sports, and leisure.

A tourist service center and themed hotel on the island are about to finish construction and the island will start operation before this year's May Day holiday, which will run from April 29 to May 3.

Sun Jian, general manager of Zhuhai Jiuzhou Construction & Investment Holdings, said that the International Marine Economy Summit project, which will start construction soon, will become a marine economic and cultural exchange center. Once completed, the center will be able to accommodate 500 people and facilitate conferences, exhibitions, exchanges, and catered events.

It was also announced that new shipping routes from Tangjia Port to Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport and Shekou will open within the first half of 2023. More routes from Zhuhai to Guangzhou and Zhongshan will also become available in the future, aiming to optimize the shipping transportation between the east and west banks of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.