A ship carrying over 200 containers of steel and furniture exports departed from Tianjin Port on Aug 24, signaling the official launch of a new premium shipping route (NCP) connecting northern China with Southeast Asia.

A ship carrying over 200 containers of steel and furniture exports is ready to leave Tianjin Port on Aug 24. [Photo provided to exploringtianjin.com]

This new route, operated solely by Sinolines Co, will employ three 1,100 TEU container ships.

Featuring streamlined port calls and faster delivery, the route reduces the sailing time from Southeast Asian ports to Tianjin Port to just 6.5 days—a reduction of nearly 20 percent. This increased efficiency is expected to accelerate trade flow, creating a new maritime logistics corridor for inland enterprises aiming to expand in the Southeast Asian market.

To ensure a smooth launch, Tianjin Port Group, has leveraged the C-SERVICE system, providing round-the-clock, personalized support.

Tianjin Port launches a new direct shipping route to Southeast Asia on Aug 24. [Photo provided to exploringtianjin.com]

In 2023, China-ASEAN trade continued its robust growth, reaching 6.41 trillion yuan ($899.5 billion). The ASEAN has remained China's largest trading partner for four consecutive years, while China has consistently been the ASEAN's top trading partner.

This route not only boosts trade between northern China and Southeast Asia but also strengthens the industrial and supply chains linking these regions. It serves key goods sources in North China, centered on the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, while extending its reach to various regions across central and western China.

Looking forward, Tianjin Port Group aims to use this new route to strengthen partnerships with shipping companies, turning its core strengths into catalysts for high-quality development. This effort aligns with the broader goals of enhancing the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region's development and supporting the Belt and Road Initiative.