ECO NAPOLI embarks on its maiden voyage from Yantai Port. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

The world's largest eco-friendly ro-ro carrier for short sea shipping, ECO NAPOLI, loaded with 619 heavy-duty trucks and engineering vehicles, embarked on its maiden voyage from Yantai Port of Shandong Port Group (SPG) on March 29. This marks the third vessel and cargo delivery for newly-built ro-ro ships at Yantai Port, highlighting its role in facilitating the integration of China's automobile industry chain into the high-end shipbuilding supply chain.

During in-port operations, Yantai Port has worked closely with Yantai customs, the Yantai branch of the China Maritime Safety Administration and other port-related institutions. The ro-ro logistics company has formulated a vessel handling plan, taking into consideration the carrier's complex cargo models, high inspection criteria and tight schedule for cargo stacking. The seamless coordination across planning, marketing and operations has further solidified Yantai Port's reputation as "China's best-serviced car terminal".

Driven by soaring demand for commercial vehicle shipping, many international shipping companies have turned to Chinese shipyards for new vessel orders. Yantai Port, acting as SPG's commercial vehicle logistics base and a logistical hub for commercial vehicles in northern China, has promoted its L-shaped commercial vehicle terminal facilities, extensive global service network and more to freight forwarding companies and customers. The aim is to help carriers further explore the Chinese market.