On Nov. 29, China’s largest ro-ro (roll on, roll off) passenger terminal began trial operations at Xinhai Port in Haikou, the capital city of Hainan Province. As of 4:00 that afternoon, the new terminal had accommodated 18 ferry trips, transporting a total of 1,412 vehicles and 4,967 passengers.

A passenger ship departs the new passenger terminal around 6:40 in the morning on Nov. 29, 2023. (Photo: Wang Chengxian / Hinews)

Aerial view of the Haikou Xinhai Ro-Ro Passenger Terminal. (Photo: Guo Cheng / Xinhua)

The Haikou Xinhai Ro-Ro Passenger Terminal is a comprehensive transportation hub offering a suite of services including ship docking, passenger boarding and disembarkation, customs inspection, commercial activities, and direct transportation options without the need to transfer through multiple transportation terminals.

Passengers enjoy sea views through the glass curtain wall of the terminal. (Photo: Wang Chengxian / Hinews)

“The new terminal provides advanced “smart” services in the aspects of ticket purchases, port entry, ticket inspection, the departure hall, and monetary transactions.” Liang Chao, deputy general manager of the Haikou Xinhai Ferry Terminal Company said that customs efficiency as well as comfort and safety for passengers and vehicles have all been greatly improved thanks to the opening of the new ro-ro terminal, ensuring that ferries can be loaded and unloaded quickly upon arrival in port.

A traveler picks up duty-free purchases at the terminal. (Photo: Zhang Mao / Hainan Daily)

The Haikou Xinhai Ro-Ro Passenger Terminal and Xinhai Ground Transportation Center (GTC) as well as the surrounding supporting facilities have a total investment of 5 billion yuan (approx. $0.7 billion), with the buildings occupying 216,000m² of the project’s total 934,200m².

A major port on the south banks of the Qiongzhou Strait, Haikou’s Xinhai Port is a key point of connection between the Hainan Free Trade Port and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which are both crucial gateways for China’s high-level opening up to the outside world.

Overlooking the Haikou Xinhai Ro-Ro Passenger Terminal. (Photo: Zhang Mao / Hainan Daily)

After the new passenger terminal enters full operation, it will contribute to the development of tourism, commerce, culture, free trade services, and other industries in the Xinhai Port area. The new facility is of great significance for the development of Hainan as an international consumer center as well as the economic growth of the area surrounding the Qiongzhou Strait and the Hainan Free Trade Port.