[Photo/Piao Feng]
MSC Katie embarked on its maiden voyage from the Dalian Container Terminal of Liaoning Port Group on May 8.
The vessel's route is the first container ocean trunk line opened by Liaoning Port Group in 2023. It fills the void in direct route service from Dalian Port to the western Mediterranean region, and further enhances the advantages of the direct route from Dalian Port to the European Mediterranean region.
It will also further expand the shipping network of Dalian Port, strengthen its energy level as a route hub, and bolster the construction of the Northeast Asia International Shipping Center, the Northeast Asia International Logistics Center, and the Northeast Sea and Land Corridor.
The newly opened shipping route boasts 11 large container ships with a capacity of 14,000 standard containers each. Along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, the shipping route passes through such Middle Eastern countries as Israel and Saudi Arabia, links with several major European ports in Italy, France and Spain, and provides direct sea transport services to the Tyrrhenian region of Italy and Southern France.
The shipping route can meet the market demand for direct shipment of chemical products, mechanical and electrical equipment and other goods of enterprises in the hinterland of northeastern China.
The opening of the shipping route will greatly benefit trade between the region and European countries, and cut transportation between Dalian and Italy to only 40 days, saving customers' time and money.
To date, Dalian Port has operated 105 container shipping routes, including 92 foreign trade lines that cover over 300 ports in 160 countries and regions.
The foreign trade route network extends to Japan, the Republic of Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe and North America, realizing the full coverage of RCEP member states.
Dalian Port has emerged as a major maritime gateway for hinterland areas in northeastern China engaged in global trade.
[Photo/Piao Feng]
