Beijing, March 7 (Youth.cn) - On the morning of March 6, 2025, the “COSCO Valencia” slowly berthed at Berth 5 of the Dapukou Container Terminal in the Jintang Port Area of Ningbo Zhoushan Port, Zhejiang Province. The vessel will transport 926 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of “Made in China” goods to South Africa and other countries along the route, marking the official launch of the COSCO Shipping Holdings and ZIM Integrated Shipping Services South Africa Service. With this addition, the Jintang Port Area has now surpassed the 50-route threshold for international shipping lines.

Another new service - Maersk East Africa Service - will also commence operations this week. The opening of this new route will provide fresh logistics options for foreign trade container transportation in the Ningbo Zhoushan region, North China, and East China. This development addresses domestic transshipment capacity gaps and further meets growing trade demands. Compared to previous Africa-bound routes, the new service shortens the voyage distance by approximately 5,000 nautical miles and reduces transit time by 6 days, significantly lowering comprehensive logistics costs for businesses.

To ensure smooth operations and efficient customs clearance for import and export cargo, port authorities in Zhoushan - including the Maritime Safety Administration, Customs, and Border Inspection - have coordinated closely. By analyzing berthing plans, assessing navigational conditions, and aligning with terminal safety protocols, they have implemented robust ship safety supervision and voyage support measures, guaranteeing the successful inauguration of the new routes. Photo/CFP