International Cargo Relay Go back »
2022-12-13 | All chapters
A key part of optimising the complex network of global shipping routes, and thereby reducing both costs and the carbon footprint of the shipping industry, is the ability for shipping companies to conduct international cargo relay.
Historically, it has only been permitted in China for vessels operated by wholly Chinese-owned companies, even when the cargo’s final destination is overseas. This represents a market access barrier for the foreign liner shipping community in China and results in higher costs, inefficiency and greater carbon emissions.
For more than two decades, the International Liner Shipping Sub-working group has included in its annual Position Paper the recommendation to allow international cargo relay, and has regularly communicated members’ concerns to the relevant authorities.
On 18th November 2021, the State Council announced that until 31st December 2024, foreign-, Hong Kong- and Macao-flagged vessels are allowed to carry out international cargo relay at Yangshan Port in Shanghai for containers originating from or destined for Dalian, Tianjin and Qingdao. It is a significant policy breakthrough and will provide greater flexibility for carriers to optimise their networks, thereby reducing both transit times and fuel consumption.
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For more information on the International Liner Shipping Sub-working Group, please click here.