New ro-ro route links Ningbo, Mideast
[Video/Ningbo Daily]
A new milestone in China-Middle East maritime trade has been reached, with Ningbo Zhoushan Port strengthening its shipping ties with Abu Dhabi through the launch of a major ro-ro vessel.
On July 3, the UGR Zakher set sail from the Meixi Ro-Ro Terminal of Ningbo Zhoushan Port, carrying nearly 4,000 Chinese-made vehicles. The vessel, operated by AD Ports Group, departed under maritime escort following its naming ceremony, beginning its first international voyage. The launch reflects deepening ties between AD Ports Group and Zhejiang Seaport Group, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding at the 2025 Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum, which was held in Ningbo in May.
At the naming and departure ceremony, both sides signed a new strategic cooperation agreement focused on port operations, green energy use, digital infrastructure, and global shipping services. The agreement aims to strengthen coordination, optimize shared resources, and enhance competitiveness in the global port and logistics sector.
The UGR Zakher is a dual-fuel ro-ro vessel with a capacity of 7,000 vehicles and a clean propulsion system that significantly reduces emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulates. It is the second ship of its class to be deployed by AD Ports Group, following the earlier commissioning of the UGR Al Samha, which began fixed-route operations in March and has already transported over 5,000 vehicles.
The UGR Zakher's route will connect Ningbo to major ports including Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates, Abu Qir Bay in Egypt, Barcelona in Spain, Genoa in Italy, and both Benghazi and Misurata in Libya. As Ningbo Zhoushan Port continues its push to become a world-class port, this latest partnership adds fresh momentum to Chinese auto exports and strengthens connectivity across the Middle East, Mediterranean, and North African markets.
