Auto Exports to Middle East Surge with New Multimodal Transport Route

The initial route from Beibu Gulf Port and its first direct oceanic link with Dubai's Jebel Ali Port was launched recently when a ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) container left Guangxi Zhuang area in South China.

After around 18 days of travel, the ship, which is carrying 1,500 automobiles, is anticipated to arrive in the largest port in the Middle East. By reducing transit times by four to ten days and increasing logistics efficiency by 10 to 15 percent in comparison to existing routes, the 4,700 nautical mile route connects expanding car production centers in western China with the booming auto market in the Middle East.

Two hundred cars from Chongqing Changan Automobile were part of the cargo. Car exports have historically relied on river transportation via the Yangtze River or long road trips to the east coast, both of which involve lengthy transit periods and numerous loading and unloading processes. Chongqing, which is tucked away in a hilly interior region, has long faced logistical obstacles.

Businesses in western China now have a more streamlined and effective exporting route thanks to the rail-sea multimodal transportation paradigm. According to Chen Weijie, general manager of Changan Auto's logistics center, he has noticed a noticeable increase in the effectiveness and efficiency of transportation procedures.

The vehicles are put onto car-carrying freight trains that have strengthened protection features to avoid damage during travel after being driven by authorized trucks to a nearby freight station after leaving the production line.