Chapter 2480
The split expansion strategy adopted by Haihan was completely different from that of any Han regime in history. The emphasis on sea control can be regarded as the first in history. In addition to having a powerful naval fleet, the shipping system throughout East Asia is also regarded as an important part of Haihan's sea control.
Industrial progress led to the rapid improvement of shipbuilding technology, and the development of many overseas colonial areas brought greater demand for freight. Large cargo sailing ships with a displacement of more than 1,500 tons began to become standard equipment on popular routes during this period. . Strong shipping companies have invested heavily in purchasing large cargo ships to enhance their profitability on long-distance routes.
Such transportation needs in turn stimulated the development of the shipbuilding industry. According to statistics at the end of 1648, there were as many as 74 large and small shipyards in the area under Haihan's rule, of which nearly a quarter It has the technical ability to build thousand-ton sailing ships.
At this time, there were more than 200 shipping companies and shipping companies registered and operating with the Ministry of Commerce. These institutions were like small blood vessels in a huge body, responsible for transporting the materials needed to various places in Haihan. and personnel transportation in place.
However, as more and more people and funds pour into the shipping industry, the competitive pressure in this industry is also growing rapidly. Especially in various large trading ports along the coast of East Asia, Haihan Shipping Organizations have almost occupied the maritime shipping industry. The dominant position in the market, external competition is gradually evolving into a situation of involution.
However, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Commerce are still very optimistic about the development prospects of the maritime industry. Officials believe that the development speed of Haihan is enough to create a larger maritime market, and the demand for shipping capacity will not reach the upper limit in the short term. As long as shipping capacity can be reasonably allocated and business scope expanded, the shipping industry still has great room for development.
Yu Feng and Liang Liping were naturally much more knowledgeable than their counterparts in this era. Although they started running the boat shop a little later, they seized a rare opportunity in the initial stage and successfully monopolized it through targeted business methods. Exclusive transportation business for overseas oil fields.
However, the operations of Yu's Shipping Company will not be limited to this industry. The couple's views are consistent with the official view. They believe that expanding the business scope is the way to develop, especially those that have not yet been targeted by major shipping companies, but will be in the future. Areas with excellent development prospects should be laid out in advance so that they can take the lead in the long-term competition in the future.
According to the couple, Sumatra is just such an area. The Sunda Strait and the Strait of Malacca, the most important sea lanes connecting the East and West, are located at the southeastern end and northeast of Sumatra Island respectively. Although the current level of development in this area is still quite low and there is not much shipping demand, it will definitely become one of the busiest waterways in the world in the future.
Western colonists paid much more attention to these two key waterways than Eastern countries. Portugal and the Netherlands had already built Malacca City and Batavia City respectively near the two waterways to realize the control of these key waterways. control. Although Haihan has also built several colonial settlements in this area, because it is far away from the mainland and there are no high-value specialties, the degree of development has not been ideal. There is not much demand for shipping, so naturally few shipping companies are willing to do so. Invest here.
The machinery factory run by Yu Feng has now switched to the production of internal combustion engines, generators and other power equipment. The development and application of engines are closely related to petrochemical projects. He basically learned the relevant information about the development of the Dumai Oilfield project at the first time. . The couple both believed that this was an excellent opportunity for their shipping company to enter this area, so they decisively invested heavily in the project. In the early stages of project development, they took the initiative to undertake the business of transporting various petrochemical equipment to the area, and promised to establish fixed routes. to meet local future freight needs.
The shipping company has invested heavily in this route. It probably won't make much money just by transporting petrochemical equipment and products. It may even have to pay back to this route to maintain operations, but it has gained the Star Island Colony. friendship and give special treatment to the shipping company. What Yu's Shipping Company received was not only the exclusive right to use the cargo terminal in Dumai area and an official office, but also the permission to dock and engage in business activities at all ports under the jurisdiction of the Sing Tao Colony, and The Colonial Area Management Committee has the sole qualification to designate the official material carrier. Even among the more than 200 shipping industry peers across the country, this is a rare special treatment.
Of course, being able to grant such special treatment was not just because Yu's Shipping Company took the initiative to extend an olive branch. Roger and Tan Juren actually had other plans. They hope to establish a good personal relationship with Yu Feng through this kind of cooperation in the trade field, and then purchase products from the machinery factory under Yu Feng's name.
Due to limited production capacity, the engines, generators and other equipment produced by Yu Feng's machinery factory can basically only meet local needs. Overseas colonial areas can only apply for quotas by reporting to the Executive Committee. Only after success can they be eligible. Buy. And even if you sign a purchase contract, you still have to wait slowly, and delivery times of more than half a year are common.
The Star Island Colony is far away from the mainland and lacks convincing production needs, so it is naturally difficult to apply for many quotas. Roger wanted to replace his warships with more advanced marine engines to improve their combat effectiveness. Tan Juren hoped to introduce generators to promote the local industrialization process, which was difficult to achieve before. But if Yu Feng is willing to provide some help in this regard, it will be much easier to realize these wishes.
It is precisely because of this consideration that the Singdao Colonial Zone has provided excellent operating conditions for Yu's Shipping Company, and Yu Feng has reciprocated the favor, confirming that he will provide dozens of machines to the Singdao Colonial Zone in the next two years. We will provide the necessary engines and generators, and send technicians to assist with installation and debugging, as well as train operators on their behalf.
But regarding the plan proposed by the Sing Tao Colonial Zone to build a branch factory to produce machinery and equipment in Sumatra, Yu Feng did not give the answer that Roger and Tan Juren wanted.
Although Tian Yeyou said that the distribution of mineral deposits in the area is enough to support a new industrial base, Yu Feng's view is not so optimistic.
As a necessary fuel for industrial construction, Sumatra Island has coal mines with considerable reserves. However, according to existing data, most of them are located in the inland mountainous areas in the center of the island. Transportation is extremely inconvenient, and low-heat coal of poor quality accounts for nearly Half. In addition, there are too few iron ores in this area and the mining value is low, which is also a major factor restricting industrial development.
Of course, coal and iron can be imported from outside, but the cost of use is too high, and the industrial products here have no advantage at all. It is better to order them directly from home. As for the production of high-end equipment such as engines and generators, it will also involve technical confidentiality issues. Neither the Executive Committee nor the Ministry of Industry will agree to transfer the production process overseas.
(End of chapter)