TIANJIN, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The 3rd Tianjin International Shipping Industry Expo kicked off Thursday in north China's Tianjin Municipality, with the signing of 70 key projects totaling over 40 billion yuan (about 5.6 billion U.S. dollars) in investment, according to the organizer.

These projects span critical sectors such as marine equipment manufacturing, port and shipping logistics, trade, green fuels, and shipping finance.

An official from the Tianjin investment promotion bureau said these projects will significantly strengthen Tianjin's role as a northern international shipping hub and accelerate the integration of port, industry, and urban development.

The event, which features nine themed exhibition zones covering over 50,000 square meters, has attracted over 440 enterprises, renowned ports, and industry associations.