THE new multipurpose terminal in Qingdao's Dongjiakou port, in which APM Terminals - part of Maersk Group - holds a 20 per cent stake, is set to begin operations by early 2016 with two deep-water berths.

The new multipurpose terminal will cater to the rising demand of China's fast-growing grain import market and other general cargo, and allow for improved port logistics services into hinterland markets.

Located in the Bohai Rim in Shandong province on the Yellow Sea, Qingdao port handled seven million tonnes of grain cargo last year, with continued strong growth again in 2015.

"China, as the world's largest population, and second-largest economy, is a crucial centre of global trade and logistics, and we are very pleased to advance our multi-port strategy of growth beyond containers in this exciting and fast-growing market," APM Terminals CEO Kim Fejfer said in a statement. @FAXTEXT + "We are fully prepared to grow with the grain market in China, and around the world," he added. APM Terminals also operates grain-handling facilities in Callao, Peru, and Poti, Georgia.

APM Terminals is currently a shareholder with Qingdao Port International in five container terminals in the Qianwan section of Qingdao port.

Qingdao's new Dongjiakou port area is set to become a national hub for Chinese bulk and energy cargos. The new complex is projected to handle 300 million tons of cargo annually.