Nantong, Jiangsu, is leveraging its 8,949-square-kilometer maritime territory to drive economic growth while implementing large-scale ecological restoration projects. According to local reports from June 9, 2026, the city has released 210,000 mu of construction space for sea use, aiming to transform marine natural resources into economic assets while maintaining strict environmental protections.
Industrial Growth at Lyusi Port
The Haomai Heavy Industry intelligent manufacturing base in the Lyusi Port Economic Development Zone represents a 7 billion yuan investment in offshore engineering. According to production deputy director Li Xing, the facility is designed to produce modern FPSO (Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading) upper modules. The project is expected to begin production at its first phase by the end of June 2026.
The company reports plans for a second phase by 2027, with full production capacity anticipated by 2028. Li Xing stated that the facility aims to capture 3 million tons of carbon dioxide annually to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from offshore oil and gas extraction. The plant is also incorporating waste-water recycling and sediment control measures to mitigate its impact on the local marine environment.
Did You Know? Nantong’s coastline spans 276 kilometers, which is 1.6 times the length of the city’s Yangtze River shoreline, providing the city with a significant geographic advantage for maritime development.
Ecological Restoration Efforts
While expanding industrial infrastructure, Nantong is simultaneously executing a 512 million yuan ecological restoration project. Senior engineer Xu Yingshi of the Jiangsu Institute of Geological Survey reported that the Yonglongsha wetland project is over 98% complete and is scheduled for final inspection in October 2026. The project utilizes “sky-air-ground” integrated monitoring to improve water quality and connectivity in the Yangtze’s northern branch.
The restoration efforts have already yielded measurable biological gains. Xu Yingshi noted that after the removal of the invasive Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass), there has been a notable increase in benthic organisms, including mudflat fish, crabs, and lugworms. Additionally, the team successfully restored over 10 hectares of Scirpus mariqueter, achieving a survival rate of over 90% through auxiliary planting techniques.
Expert Insight: Nantong’s strategy represents a transition from traditional land-based industrial development to a dual-track model where maritime assets are treated as capital. The primary challenge remains the long-term maintenance of the ecological “blue carbon” nodes, which must now function alongside active industrial ports. The success of this model likely hinges on whether the city can balance its aggressive industrial timeline with the biological recovery of the Yangtze estuary.
What May Happen Next
Future development in Nantong is expected to focus on the construction of “beautiful bays” to stabilize the balance between environmental protection and economic output. With the completion of major restoration projects in late 2026, local authorities will likely shift toward maintaining these ecological barriers while continuing to facilitate high-end maritime manufacturing. As seen with the recent sports tourism events in Rudong Xiaoyangkou, the city may also see an increase in recreational use of its revitalized coastal zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scale of the Haomai Heavy Industry project?
The project involves a 7 billion yuan investment covering 1.34 million square meters, focused on the production of FPSO upper modules.
How is Nantong protecting its marine environment during industrial expansion?
The city has implemented a 512 million yuan ecological restoration project, which includes shoreline remediation, the removal of invasive species, and the use of integrated monitoring technologies to improve water quality.
What is the significance of the 210,000 mu of sea space?
This represents the land-sea coordination effort, where the city has repurposed maritime territory to serve as a “strong engine” for its economic growth toward the “next trillion” yuan scale.
How will the city’s dual focus on industrial output and wetland restoration shape its economic landscape over the next five years?
