Wilhelmshaven / Shanghai (China), November 8, 2024 - During the opening of the China International Import Expo in Shanghai (CIIE), a new direct connection between the ports of Ningbo and Wilhelmshaven was announced. The first departure from Ningbo is already scheduled for December 30, 2024. With a travel time of only 26 days, the container ship is expected to arrive at the JadeWeserPort (JWP) in Wilhelmshaven on January 24, 2025.

 In order to ensure a uniquely fast maritime connection between Asia and Northern Europe, the service will be offered exclusively as a direct route— it is therefore not intended to call at other ports. The start of a continuous schedule is planned for mid-2025 under the name CEX – China-Europe Express. In addition to the waterside connection between the two continents, there are also plans to establish a continuous hinterland transport service by rail from Wilhelmshaven to Budapest.

The initiator of the new connection is the Zhejiang Seaport Logistics Group, which set up operations in Wilhelmshaven a few months ago on an area of around 33,000 m² within the P3 Logistics Parks.

Das beabsichtige Vorhaben wurde nun auf der CIIE durch die Unterzeichnung eines Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dokumentiert. Neben der Zhejiang Seaport Logistics Group und der Reederei KAWA Shipping haben auch die Unternehmen Central European Trade and Logistics Cooperation Zone (CECZ) und die Container Terminal Wilhelmshaven JadeWeserPort-Marketing (CTW JWP-M) die Absichtserklärung unterzeichnet.

The Chairman of Zhejiang Seaport Group, Mr. Tao, emphasized the significance of Wilhelmshaven as a port location. "We are firmly convinced that the JadeWeserPort provides an optimal logistics hub, both for the planned European hinterland transports and for additional transshipment services toward the East Coast of America." The upcoming express service will complement the existing liner services between Ningbo and Wilhelmshaven, offering the transport market an innovative maritime "fast lane."

The signed agreement initiates a trial run of a container freighter, initially loaded with 2,400 TEU. With this first voyage, KAWA Shipping will initially test the introduction of this shipping express, aiming to further optimize transport times and increase logistics reliability. The goal is to efficiently connect the European hinterland —including the CECZ in Hungary—through the trimodal connectivity of the JWP.

Marc-Oliver Hauswald, Managing Director of CTW JWP-M, emphasized: “Today’s signing of the MOU marks an important milestone in establishing a new ‘Maritime Silkroad Shipping Express Service’ between Asia and Europe. Through this direct connection, Wilhelmshaven's JWP gains a significant unique selling point over the ports in the European Northern Range.”