The pilot project of the 'Three Mutuals' customs reform has officially launched at the Erenhot port, marking a significant optimization of customs procedures. The new model has achieved customs and inspection cooperation, simplified exit procedures, and significantly improved customs efficiency, injecting new momentum into trade facilitation.
As competition intensifies in the global shipping market, South Korean shipping companies urgently need to acquire ultra-large container ships to reduce costs and enhance their market competitiveness. However, liquidity issues and financing difficulties complicate this goal. Additionally, overcapacity in the industry and falling freight rates pose challenges to profitability. Regulatory authorities oppose the merger of two companies, citing potential negative impacts on the overall economy. In the future, businesses must find a breakthrough between new ship investments and market adaptation, with hopes for a recovery.
On November 18, the Nanning Railway Bureau launched the first special freight train for traditional Chinese medicine materials from Yulin Station, reaching Chengdu within 72 hours. This initiative enhances the efficiency of TCM transportation, with Yulin market sending 260,000 tons annually, and railway shipments increasing year by year. By deeply analyzing customer needs, the railway department developed special freight train solutions, providing timely and cost-effective transportation for TCM, receiving positive feedback from clients who look forward to further promotion of railway transport.
Yingkou Port actively participates in the Belt and Road initiative, with a 4% increase in throughput in the first three quarters. Both foreign trade and container volumes have significantly risen, and new international trains to Europe have been launched, establishing a sea-rail intermodal network that enhances its role as a key transit hub in Northeast Asia. Domestic trade routes cover over 30 ports with 420 flights, promoting the port's digital transformation and integration into cross-border e-commerce. Yingkou Port demonstrates great development potential, contributing to regional economic growth.
The first self-operated domestic trade mainline of Yantai Port, connecting Jinzhou-Yantai-Quanzhou, has officially commenced, successfully arriving after a six-day journey. This route will significantly enhance import and export volumes in the Bohai Bay, promote a positive cycle between main and branch lines, and establish a direct connection between Yantai and Quanzhou, thus aiding regional economic development and increasing the market competitiveness of Yantai Port.
The implementation of the smart shore power project at Ningbo Port will allow ocean-going vessels to draw power directly from the grid instead of relying on onboard generators. This shift is expected to significantly reduce pollutant emissions during shipping, creating a win-win situation for the terminal, shipping companies, and power suppliers. The project aims to notably decrease emissions of PM2.5, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides, making a significant contribution to environmental protection.
Haikou Customs has introduced 21 measures to address foreign trade challenges, aiming to create an efficient customs clearance environment, utilize preferential policies, and explore new business models to support stable growth in Hainan's foreign trade. These measures encompass policy implementation, trade innovation, and improvement of the business environment, enhancing enterprise competitiveness and promoting local economic development.
Hutchison Port Holdings Group (HPH) recently announced that its total container throughput in Hong Kong has surpassed 200 million TEU, highlighting its industry-leading position. In the face of global economic challenges, HPH plans to invest $1.8 billion to enhance its equipment and operational standards. Although throughput data for Hong Kong's ports has fluctuated, the number of transshipment goods remains competitive. There is a need to accelerate terminal construction to meet the demands of super-sized cargo ships, ensuring the sustainable development of the industry.
The Port of Hamburg recently launched an automated shore power system for cruise ships, becoming a pioneer in global green shipping. This new system significantly reduces ship emissions, with an expected 99% cut in nitrogen oxides, enabling smarter energy supply for cruise ships. Additionally, Hamburg plans to enhance power supply through mobile charging vessels. These initiatives align with international trends, promoting more sustainable port operations and supporting green shipping cooperation between China and Germany.
Yantian International Container Terminal has become the domestic preferred port for ultra-large vessels, with multiple successful berths in 2023. The terminal features deep-water berths and advanced gantry crane facilities, allowing efficient service for numerous large ships. By adhering to a strategy focused on large vessels and optimizing services, Yantian International has achieved a continuous increase in cargo volume, surpassing the industry average and solidifying its strategic position in South China.
