Chinese terminals may speed up exports
According to a Xinhua report, the Wanzhou and Fuling terminals in the municipality of Chongqing have started operating container shipping services to Shanghai this month - which should help improve cargo flow, Port Strategy reports.
Both new services offer five sailings per week and are being operated by Minsheng Shipping, Chongqing Pacific Ocean International Logistics and Cosco.
Importantly, the new services will mean that customs procedures for foreign bound cargo can now be performed locally before the goods are shipped to Shanghai, which should help speed up the export process.
According to David Lammie, director, Yangtze Business Services Ltd: “There may be time-saving benefits, particularly since Customs can now be handled locally and presumably any issues here can now be handled more speedily than before.”
The main benefits to existing shippers will be cost and presumably, enhanced reliability, since the transportation process is simplified. Especially, according to Mr Lammie, similar significant developments are also taking place along the Yangtze.
He added: “The main beneficiaries are likely to be the cities of Wanzhou and Fuling since they can now say to potential investors that there are now direct services to Shanghai and export markets. Both places have lagged behind Chongqing proper in recent years and there is very little foreign investment. This may help to start a process of reinvigoration.”
