Imagine your cargo traveling on dedicated vessels at remarkable speeds across vast oceans, directly reaching the shores of the Red Sea. This is no longer a vision but a reality, as three major shipping lines—Global Feeder Shipping (GFS), Regional Container Lines (RCL), and TS Lines (TSL)—have joined forces to launch a new Far East to Red Sea route, offering a significant boost to global trade connectivity.
This route serves as a vital bridge linking China's economic powerhouse with the rapidly growing markets of the Red Sea region. Evergreen Marine will also participate under its OGRD brand, providing slot charter services to enhance the route's capacity and market coverage.
Efficient Service with Biweekly Sailings
The new service operates on a biweekly rotation, deploying vessels with a capacity of 3,000 TEUs . It strategically connects major Chinese export hubs—including Shanghai, Qingdao, Guangzhou (Nansha), and Shenzhen (Shekou)—with three key Red Sea ports: Jeddah, Sokhna, and Aqaba, before returning to Shanghai. The entire round-trip voyage takes just 27 days , significantly reducing transit times compared to traditional routes and improving supply chain efficiency.
Strategic Coverage for Exporters
The route provides unprecedented convenience for exporters in East and South China. It not only serves core East China hubs like Shanghai and Qingdao but also extends to major South China gateways such as Nansha and Shekou. Direct calls at Jeddah , Sokhna , and Aqaba cater precisely to the strong demand for consumer goods, machinery, and construction materials in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Notably, the transshipment services offered via Jeddah Port will help alleviate the persistent cargo demand pressures in the Red Sea region over the past year, providing shippers with more flexible logistics solutions.
Benefits for Shippers and Forwarders
For shippers , the route delivers faster transit times and more precise cargo consolidation planning, effectively addressing capacity constraints. The inclusion of Aqaba Port further expands access to Middle Eastern markets, offering businesses a competitive edge.
For freight forwarders , the route's network—spanning four major Chinese export ports and three Red Sea ports—provides a robust product portfolio, significantly enhancing service capabilities for Middle East trade and strengthening market competitiveness.
Shippers and forwarders are advised to check the latest sailing schedules and freight rates before shipment to optimize planning and maximize the benefits of this new route.