Chongqing - On July 18, data from New Land-Sea Corridor Operation Co., Ltd. revealed a 57% rise in rail-sea intermodal liner operations to 2,160 in the first half of 2024 and a 101% increase in transported goods' value, totaling 17.1 billion yuan (about USD 2.35 billion).

Chongqing managed 2,160 rail-sea intermodal liner trips via the ILSTC in H1, 2024. (Graphic/Zheng Ran)

Southwest China's Chongqing, the hub for the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC), recently showcased its "sea-rail-river" intermodal capabilities by transporting imported pulp from Guangxi. The pulp was first moved by rail to Chongqing's Guoyuan Port and then by water to Chongqing Yongchuan Port.

Beibu Gulf Port in Qinzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Photo/Guangxi Beibu Gulf International Port Group Co., Ltd.)

Guoyuan Port, serving as China's largest hub for river, rail, and road transportation, boasts vertical docks similar to those typically found at seaports, enhancing its logistical throughput.

Zhang Jingping, logistics manager of Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Co., Ltd, noted significant improvements in customs processing. "Previously, customs procedures were required at each stop, but now complete processing is done upon entry at the port, saving two full days," Zhang stated.

Liu Guangyu, deputy section chief of Chongqing Port Customs Logistics Management Section, emphasized the ongoing efforts to streamline operations. "We are actively collaborating with Qinzhou Port and Yongchuan Customs to boost the efficiency of intermodal transfers and optimize the rail-water transshipment processes at Guanyuan Port," Liu explained. This initiative aims to enhance the integration of the ILSTC with the Yangtze River Golden Waterway.

Meanwhile, at Wanzhou Port, located in the heart of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, the introduction of a "direct loading upon arrival" system for exports has significantly reduced logistics costs and processing times, cutting the cost of single-order processing by more than 50% and reducing time consumption by over 80%. The port has witnessed a 400% increase in freight volume through the ILSTC this year.

The corridor's efficient operations have established Chongqing as a key redistribution center for imports and exports. The first shipment of frozen aquatic products from Brunei to inland China was processed through the ILSTC and distributed throughout Southwest China.

Additionally, the Landford (Chongqing) Smart Comprehensive Industrial Park in Tuanjie Village, Shapingba District, has commenced operations. It employs an innovative model integrating global fresh produce marketing with secure warehousing, cross-border trade, and various service offerings.

Looking ahead, Zhu Yuan from the Chongqing Pan-European Railway Port Management Co., Ltd. outlined future goals. "By 2030, we aim to handle 270,000 tons of annual meat imports. About 30% of Chongqing's and 5% of neighboring provinces' meat imports will come through Chongqing Railway Bonded Logistics Center," Zhu disclosed.

Li Lin, a researcher from the Chongqing Comprehensive Economy Academy, emphasized the strategic importance of the ILSTC. "The construction of ILSTC not only links infrastructure and standard rules but also positions Chongqing as a strategic hub on the Belt Road Initiative and the Yangtze River Economic Belt, enhancing the western region's integration with international economic and trade standards," Li noted.