Jiangsu Launches First Container Shipping Route to Mexico

On September 23, under the protection of the Jiangyin Maritime Bureau, the ocean-going vessel "Emerald," with a length of 225 meters and fully loaded with 524 special containers and other equipment, departed from Jiangyin and headed for Manzanillo Port in Mexico, marking the official opening of the new container shipping route from Jiangsu to Mexico.

It is understood that this new container shipping route operates as a direct route and takes about 22 days, which significantly shortens cargo transportation time compared to the traditional transit model via Shanghai, Ningbo, and other locations. It also reduces logistics costs and provides a more efficient and convenient maritime channel for enterprises in Jiangyin and surrounding areas to expand into the North American market. After arriving at Manzanillo Port, these special containers will provide more efficient and stable logistical support for inland "rail-road intermodal transport" and special cargo shipments in North America.

The special containers loaded this time are mostly designed to be shorter because North American double-stack railway operations have strict height restrictions. By making each container shorter, the total height of two stacked containers meets the height limitations of railway tunnels and bridge openings. In addition, the special containers retain ISO-standard corner fittings, allowing direct transfer between railway flat cars and road truck chassis, achieving seamless rail-road intermodal transport.

To ensure the opening of the new route, the Jiangyin Maritime Bureau implemented "zero waiting time" customs clearance services, adopted the operational model of "work upon docking, zero delays upon departure," and collaborated with customs, border inspection, and port operation units to establish an integrated transportation organization system, promoting seamless coordination among all regulatory phases at the port.

"We focused on key export cargo categories like special containers and large-scale electromechanical equipment, completing verifications of vessel seaworthiness, cargo stowage status, and container safety conditions in advance. By addressing freight safety risks at the source, we ensured the safe and efficient outbound shipping of special goods, providing robust service support for the successful first voyage of the new route," said Jia Yabo, Deputy Director of the Jiangyin Maritime Bureau.

The opening of the new route further unleashes the "golden benefits" of Jiangyin Port's deep-water channel, providing a more convenient and efficient maritime pathway for industries such as equipment manufacturing in the Yangtze River Delta region to access the Latin American market. The "port traffic" is rapidly transforming into "economic growth" at the port.

In recent years, Jiangyin Port, an important export hub for foreign trade in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, has deeply integrated into the global supply chain development, continuously optimizing its shipping route network layout. It has successively launched multiple international container shipping routes to regions such as Southeast Asia and Europe, significantly enhancing the port's reach and international competitiveness, and injecting new momentum into the development of an open regional economy and the establishment of an optimal business environment innovation zone along the Yangtze River.