ONE of the world's most powerful shipping magnates has privately visited the port of Southampton and seen the proposed site of the controversial Dibden Bay container terminal, business South can reveal.

Dr Chang Yung-fa, chairman of the massive Taiwanese containership fleet, Evergreen Marine Corporation, was given a VIP tour of the port at the weekend.

Associated British Ports, the owners of Southampton docks who are behind the multi-million scheme to develop Dibden Bay, would only give brief details about Dr Chang's visit which came just a short time after the company said major shipping lines were already queuing up to become the first operators at the planned deep-sea terminal.

The list of those interested in Dibden Bay has never been divulged by ABP as it says the names are confidential and commercially sensitive.

The visit is highly significant as only recently Dr Chang, who is to receive an honorary doctorate from Southamp-ton Institute today, hinted that Evergreen's future investment was more likely to be in container terminals than the acquisition of other shipping lines.

Dr Chang was also particularly keen to see Southampton docks, the country's premier cruise port, as Evergreen is considering expanding into the passenger shipping sector.

In a brief statement ABP confirmed his tour of the docks and said : "During his stay in Southampton Dr Chang took the opportunity for a brief visit to the port, with a particular interest in cruise operations.''

Evergreen now encompasses operations in heavy industrial development, capital investment, air transport, hotels and resorts and information and management consultancy services with more than 16,000 employees and 200 offices or agents worldwide.

Dr Chang, who flies back to Taipei after receiving his doctorate in business administration, founded Evergreen in 1968 with one second-hand vessel and has built the company up to be a dominant force in the forefront of the global container industry.

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