In order to know the exact ship traffic volume in the Taicang section of the Yangtze River and provide a reliable basis for safety supervision of water traffic, the Taicang maritime safety administration for the first time in 2014 observed ship traffic volume for 72 consecutive hours at its maritime base recently. According to the results, the natural ship flow is 3,897 ships in 72 hours, with an average daily volume of 1,299 ships, an increase of 42.28 percent from a year earlier. The figures indicate further improvement in the traffic capacity of Taicang Port.

The analysis shows that about 82.53 percent of ships are over 50 meters long, 261 ships are 90 to 180 meters long, and 74 ships are over 180 meters long. Large shipping vessels have become normal in Taicang Port mainly because the deep water channel of the Yangtze River reaches Taicang.

In response to the increase in ship flow recently, the Taicang maritime safety administration has sent ships to maintain traffic at rush hour and has sent cruisers to carry out inspections during other busy periods. The administration has also stationed cruisers at two ends and in the middle of the port. The observation results will help maintain traffic flow.