Zhengzhou-Ningbo sea-rail direct route launches, expanding Henan’s export channels

Henan Daily

Zhengzhou: On April 22, a freight train carrying 23 tons of thermal paper departed Putian Station in Zhengzhou, bound for Zhoushan Portin Ningbo, where the cargo will be transshipped to the UK. This established Zhoushan as Henan’s second international sea-rail gateway, following the Zhengzhou-Qingdao route launched in April 2024. The new route represents a significant expansion of the sea-rail direct model to ports along China’s eastern seaboard.

“The customs clearance for this batch of goods was completed in Zhengzhou under the sea-rail direct model, which is expected to cut port detention and logistics costs by more than 20%, significantly improving cash flow for businesses,” said Chen Songtao, a staff member from Henan Huahong Logistics Co., Ltd. He added that expanding new routes not only helps reduce costs and boost efficiency for enterprises, but also enables Henan’s foreign trade firms to better meet customer demand.

Since the launch of the “land-sea intermodal direct transport” model in Henan, more than 1,000 tons of goods have been shipped under this system, including aluminum foil, leather products, automobiles, and auto parts to markets such as Italy, Greece, Canada, and Thailand. The model has opened up an efficient pathway for Henan’s signature industries to access global markets, enabling local businesses to connect with international buyers at lower costs.

Compared to the traditional “road-to-sea” logistics model, the sea-rail direct transport system shortens overall transit time and saves nearly 1,000 yuan per container on average. During interviews at the 137th Canton Fair, several Henan-based foreign trade company representatives told reporters that the model offers a more efficient logistics solution, helping businesses reduce costs and improve efficiency amid current market conditions.