Seaport that's making all the right connections

A new container shipping route, known as ICI7 Route, which connects Zhanjiang with Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and India, was launched at Zhanjiang Port on Sept 14.

"The route not only provides regular nonstop container shipping services, but connects transit ports in Singapore and Malaysia, offering numerous advantages," said Jiang Shengzhong, marketing manager at Zhanjiang Port International Container Terminal. "With shortened shipping time, more space and lower comprehensive logistics costs, it is an optimal choice for businesses seeking efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions.

"The establishment of this route, along with direct routes to Southeast Asia and cold-chain routes to India, will greatly support the development of a foreign trade container shipping logistics channel in Zhanjiang."

The route will enhance connectivity between western Guangdong and Southeast Asian countries, expanding the regional logistics channel for the export of distinctive goods. It will also play a significant role in assisting the import of fruits from countries such as Thailand.

Zhanjiang Port, one of the regional hub ports on the Chinese mainland, boasts easy access to the main international shipping routes.

Over the last 10 years, Zhanjiang has actively participated in the Belt and Road Initiative. Making use of its location to connect various national strategic hubs, the port has continuously enhanced its position as a major distribution center for commodities in southern China, such as energy and raw materials. Equipped with world-class deep-water berths and a comprehensive transportation system, Zhanjiang Port is poised to become a strategic reserve and distribution center for bulk cargo, specializing in iron ore, petroleum, coal, grain and fertilizers.

"Using the advantages of the deep-water channel of Zhanjiang Port and the seamless connection between railway and sea transportation, we have connected the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We're also expanding the service to Hainan Free Trade Port," said Jiang Chang, CEO assistant of Zhanjiang Port (Group).

So far, Zhanjiang Port has 36 productive berths, including 400,000 — deadweight-tonne and 300,000 — deadweight-tonne ones. It also has the first bonded logistics park in western Guangdong. It is a topnotch port in terms of navigation conditions and handling capacities in the southern coast of China. Its annual throughput capacity is 108 million metric tons.

Zhanjiang Port has been cracking the Southeast Asia market and is taking advantage of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to increase bulk cargo and container volumes in trade with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

In 2022, Zhanjiang Port recorded a container throughput of 30,800 twenty-foot equivalent units in its trade with RCEP member countries, a year-on-year increase of 25.3 percent.

From January to August this year, the port reported an accumulated container throughput of 20,000 TEUs with RCEP member countries, a year-on-year increase of 4 percent.

Looking ahead, Zhanjiang will continue to construct a modern port-based logistic network and transport system to serve the BRI, local officials said. They added that the city will strive to become an international logistics center, shipping hub, bulk commodity trading center and regional bonded logistics distribution base.

The ICI7 container shipping route, linking Zhanjiang with Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and India, opens at Zhanjiang Port on Sept 14. HU PENG/FOR CHINA DAILY