As global trade undergoes rapid transformations, the demand for efficient logistics solutions has reached unprecedented levels. In response to these challenges, Jinan City in Shandong Province has begun construction on a major new logistics hub for the China-Europe Railway Express (Qilu).
The newly launched Jinan Consolidation Center represents Shandong High-Speed Group's first dedicated supporting industrial park for the freight route and is poised to become a critical transportation nexus linking China and Europe.
Strategic Location and Comprehensive Facilities
Located in Licheng District's inland port planning area, the 16-acre complex will feature 635,000 square feet of operational space. The center will integrate five specialized functional zones:
- Train consolidation operations center
- Bonded logistics facility
- Cross-border e-commerce sorting hub
- Supply chain financial services center
- Import/export commodity exhibition space
Enhanced Logistics Services for Global Trade
Upon completion, the hub will provide comprehensive logistics support including freight booking, container loading/securement, and storage/transfer services for businesses along the China-Europe trade corridor. Advanced value-added services in e-commerce and supply chain financing are expected to generate significant commercial opportunities.
More than 10 enterprises have already signed agreements to establish operations at the center, ensuring strong initial utilization.
Expanding International Logistics Network
Shandong High-Speed Group has significantly increased coordination of China-Europe rail operations in 2023, focusing on developing an international multimodal transport network. The company plans to establish three major consolidation centers (Jinan, Qingdao, and Linyi) complemented by overseas marketing offices in Germany, Serbia, and Uzbekistan.
This "corridor + hub + overseas warehouse" strategy has yielded impressive results, with the Qilu route operating 1,202 freight trains in just the first eight months of 2023 - marking the fourth consecutive year exceeding 1,000 annual trips. Cumulative operations now surpass 5,600 trains since inception.
Future Development Plans
Looking ahead, Shandong High-Speed Group will develop additional infrastructure including the Jinan International Multimodal Transport Hub and SCO Economic and Trade Industrial Park. The company also plans to expand its network of overseas warehouses in key markets like Russia and Central Asia.
These strategic investments aim to enhance operational efficiency while stimulating regional economic growth through improved international trade connectivity.
