The construction site of the Zhongshan Port new passenger terminal in Ma'an Island.[Photo by Miao Xiaojian]

The government work report stressed to speed up the construction of the new passenger terminal this year. At present, the construction of the wharf apron project of the Zhongshan Port new passenger terminal in Ma’an Island is 89% completed, and it is expected to be done by the end of the year.

The new passenger terminal can manage at most 2.77 million passengers per year after completion.

The new passenger terminal has 12 berths. 10 are passenger berths, including 8 for Hong Kong and Macao lines and 2 for other domestic lines. The other 2 are maintenance berths.

"The flights linking the new terminal and destination will be 11 sea miles (20 kilo meters) shorter, which can save up to 20 minutes of traveling time, comparing with the old port," said Li Xiaohua, a chief engineer from Zhongshan Zhonghui Passenger Port Construction Company, adding that the passenger routes starting from Zhongshan will be more attractive to passengers.

Additional routes to Macao International Airport, Macao Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, Shenzhen's Shekou Ferry Terminal and Qianhai port will be opened in the new terminal after completion.