More than half of north China's Bohai Sea remains frozen. This has caused tremendous economic losses for fishing and shipping services, while prompting regional governments to take measures aimed at coping with the damage.

More than half of north China's Bohai Sea remains frozen.

Tangshang Harbor is one of the few ports in north China that usually doesn't freeze when neighboring areas do. Many cargo ships have been re-routed here to avoid sea ice. More than 30 vessels are now anchoring here every day.

Commander of Tangshan Harbor command, said, "So far, 110 cargo ships have stopped over at this harbor. They've carried 1.3 million tons of coal. In total, these cargo ships were transporting 5 million tons of goods."

Off the coast of Tianjin, local maritime departments have sent out some two dozens ice-breakers. Some escort cargo ships carrying much-need coal. They are bound for power plants in China's coastal provinces.

In northeastern Liaoning Province and eastern Shandong Province, many fish in aquafarms have perished. Rescue vessels have been trying to break through the ice to prevent more sea creatures from dying due to a lack of oxygen.

The Chinese navy has sent detection vessels to the region to take collect samples. After studying the evidence, scientists will offer solutions to resolve the dilemma.

Local maritime officials say the frozen zone is not likely to expand much more, but it will take quite some time for the current amassment to finally melt.

The persistent sea ice is taking a toll on a number of industries. The halted fishing and shipping services have seen their losses total approximately 1 billion yuan, or about $150 million.

(CCTV.com January 25, 2010)