New Container Connection between Wilhelmshaven and Ningbo

As part of the opening of the China International Import Expo, Shanghai (CIIE), a new direct connection between the ports of Ningbo and Wilhelmshaven was announced. The first departure from Ningbo is scheduled for December 30, 2024. With a travel time of only 26 days, the container ship is expected to arrive at JadeWeserPort (JWP) in Wilhelmshaven on January 24, 2025.

(Wilhelmshaven/Shanghai/Ningbo) To ensure a uniquely fast waterway connection between Asia and Northern Europe, the service will be offered exclusively as a direct service – calling at additional ports is not intended. The introduction of a continuous schedule is planned for mid-2025 under the name CEX – China-Europe-Express. In addition to the waterway connection between the two continents, there are also plans to establish a continuous hinterland transport by rail from Wilhelmshaven to Budapest.

The initiator of the new connection is the Zhejiang Seaport Logistics Group, which has already settled in Wilhelmshaven on an area of approximately 33,000 m² within the logistics park of P3 a few months ago.

The intended project was documented at the CIIE through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). In addition to the Zhejiang Seaport Logistics Group and the shipping company KAWA Shipping, the companies Central European Trade and Logistics Cooperation Zone (CECZ) and the Container Terminal Wilhelmshaven JadeWeserPort-Marketing (CTW JWP-M) have also signed the declaration of intent.

Optimal Hub for the European Hinterland

During the ceremony, the chairman of the Zhejiang Seaport Group, Mr. Tao, emphasized the relevance of the seaport location Wilhelmshaven. “We are firmly convinced that JadeWeserPort provides an optimal logistics hub for both the planned European hinterland transports and for further transshipment traffic towards the American East Coast.” The future express service will complement the existing line services between Ningbo and Wilhelmshaven and offers the transport market a novel waterway ‘Fast Lane’.

The signed agreement initiates a trial run of a container freighter loaded with initially 2,400 TEU. In connection with the first call, KAWA Shipping will initially test the introduction of this shipping express to further optimize transport times and increase the reliability of logistics, with the aim of efficiently connecting the European hinterland – including the CECZ in Hungary – through the trimodal connection of the JWP.

Significant Unique Selling Proposition

The managing director of CTW JWP-M, Marc-Oliver Hauswald, emphasizes: “Today’s signing of the MOU marks an important milestone in the establishment of a new ‘Maritime Silkroad Shipping Express Service’ between Asia and Europe. The direct connection gives JWP in Wilhelmshaven a significant unique selling proposition compared to the ports of the European North Range.”

Photo: © JadeWeserPort