New route boosts shipping efficiency between Chongqing and Ningbo

A river-sea shipping route connecting Chongqing Port in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality and Ningbo Zhoushan Port in East China's Zhejiang province was launched on Dec 27, improving transportation efficiency between inland and coastal regions.

The first vessel, Innovation 15, is an advanced LNG-powered dual-fuel ship designed for both rivers and seas. Measuring 130 meters in length with a draft of 6.1 meters, it is designed for energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and high operational performance.

During its maiden voyage, the vessel carried over 3,000 metric tons of ethylene glycol, which was unloaded at Zhenhai Port Area of Ningbo Zhoushan Port and then transferred to a sea-going ship for export to Singapore and the Netherlands. Unlike traditional river-sea transportation, which requires transshipment between river and ocean vessels, the new direct route eliminates the middle step, significantly cutting transportation time and reducing costs.

To ensure the smooth operation of this new route, the Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group worked closely with the Chongqing Logistics Group, backed by local customs, port, maritime, and customs authorities.

The launch of this route is a key step in expanding the reach of Zhenhai Port Area's surroundings and provides a fast and efficient transportation corridor linking the Yangtze River Delta and the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle. This contributes to the development of a more integrated and efficient national transportation network, supporting the broader goals of a coordinated, interconnected economy.

The Chongqing Port-Ningbo Zhoushan Port direct river-sea shipping route completes its maiden voyage. [Photo/Shen Jiaqi]