In this dynamic era of opportunities and challenges, the logistics industry is advancing at an unprecedented pace. In 2024, YANTIAN, in close collaboration with its partners, navigated challenges and achieved outstanding success in multimodal transport. As 2025 begins, YANTIAN has hosted two consecutive customer appreciation events for its multimodal transport services, further strengthening partnerships and sharing the rewards of collective growth.
A model of Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation
Record-breaking growth in feeder services
On February 17, YANTIAN successfully hosted its 2025 Feeder Customer Appreciation Event, welcoming over 120 customer representatives. In his address, Lawrence Shum, Managing Director of YANTIAN, underscored the immense potential of Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation and the deep-rooted partnership built on close collaboration, mutual trust, and shared success between YANTIAN and its feeder partners. In 2024, feeder throughput soared to a new record high. Notably, YANTIAN's feeder services between Shenzhen and Hong Kong have been in operation for over 31 years, consistently achieving year-on-year growth in container volumes. Last year, the volume of laden containers surged by nearly 30%, setting new benchmarks for both laden container throughput and total annual volume. This remarkable achievement highlights the synergies and mutual benefits of Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation, reinforcing YANTIAN's role as a vital logistics hub that ensures seamless and efficient trade connectivity for enterprises across the Greater Bay Area and inland regions.
How YANTIAN West Port achieves record-breaking growth in feeder throughput
As one of the world's busiest container terminals, YANTIAN remains dedicated to driving regional economic growth and facilitating international trade. In particular, the YANTIAN West Port serves as a pivotal hub for feeder transportation within the Greater Bay Area. Leveraging the strengths of Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation, complementary shipping services and resource integration, it plays a critical and strategic role in enhancing regional logistics efficiency and strengthening the port's overall competitiveness.
Building a feeder hub by focusing on near-sea services: Tailored to the operational needs of near-sea shipping, the YANTIAN West Port is equipped with 10,000-ton and 25,000-ton berths, specialising in container feeder services. It has become a key link connecting inland regions, the Greater Bay Area, and secondary near-sea ports within YANTIAN's network.
Expanding inland logistics and strengthening regional synergy: Currently, YANTIAN operates 17 feeder services and 14 port alliances, covering 8 major cities in the Greater Bay Area. Through an innovative "one-time customs declaration, inspection, and release" model, YANTIAN has significantly enhanced coordination within the regional port cluster, providing customers with more efficient and seamless logistics services.
Integrated development for streamlined operations: The YANTIAN West Port shares shipping services and yard facilities with the East and Central Ports, forming a synergistic "Trunkline + feeder" network. This resource-sharing approach ensures a smoother, more efficient logistics experience for customers.
During the event, YANTIAN presented honorary awards to outstanding customers, expressing gratitude for their trust and partnership.
Rail-Sea services
Seamlessly connecting inland regions with global markets through a green and efficient supply chain
At the YANTIAN 2024 Rail-sea Service Customer Appreciation Event, nearly 50 customer representatives gathered to celebrate a year of growth and collaboration. Peng Zhihong, Logistics Director of YANTIAN, warmly welcomed the attendees and highlighted key achievements: In 2024, YANTIAN's rail-sea service recorded its sixth consecutive year of growth, with laden export containers rising by nearly 10%. The newly launched "Chongqing-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Service" has been widely embraced by customers, strengthening trade connectivity and driving mutual success across the Chengdu-Chongqing region, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Mr. Peng expressed his gratitude to customers for their continued trust and partnership in advancing the evolution of YANTIAN's rail-sea services.
Frange Yu, General Manager of Shenzhen Pingyan Multimodal Company Limited, emphasised YANTIAN's unique advantage as the only port in Shenzhen with direct rail service access. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, YANTIAN has launched Rail-Sea Service 2.0, a next-generation service model designed to deliver smarter, faster, and more secure logistics solutions.
Rail-Sea Service 2.0
Market expansion and new offerings: Strengthen collaboration between YANTIAN and the Kwai Tsing Port in Hong Kong.
Enhanced administrative support: Deploy a fully digitalised contract management system, streamlining business processes.
Next-level system and operations: Integrate advanced electrification technology, upgrade inland port networks, and implement a fully systemised, standardised, and automated operational framework.
Safety management: Reinforce electrified locomotive safety regulations and adopt a holistic safety management system for rail and port operations.
YANTIAN stands as one of the busiest gateways in South China for Europe and North America services, while Kwai Tsing Port dominates the Intra-Asia and South America markets, boasting the most extensive trade service networks for Asia and South America in the Greater Bay Area. The launch of innovative "hard and soft connectivity" initiatives, including the "Chongqing-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Service" and "SZ-HK Connect", fully capitalises on the complementary strengths of both port areas. These initiatives establish a seamlessly integrated, highly efficient logistics ecosystem, providing reliable, high-efficiency, and low-carbon trade access for inland enterprises in Chongqing and beyond, fostering a win-win collaboration across Chongqing, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong.
In 2024, the Ministry of Transport, the National Railway Administration, and China Railway Group jointly released the "Exemplary Cases of Developing Container Rail-Sea Intermodal Brand Services". YANTIAN's "Chongqing-Shenzhen Scheduled Service" was successfully selected, making it one of the 12 nationwide cases recognised for their success. This remarkable achievement reflects the unwavering trust and support of YANTIAN's valued customers and partners. To express appreciation for their contributions, YANTIAN presented Outstanding Customer Award, Excellent Partner Award, Volume Contribution Award, Premier Contribution Award to outstanding partners.
Pilot program for departure port tax refund
Since November 2024, YANTIAN has been included in the pilot program for departure port tax refund. This policy significantly shortens the tax refund cycle for enterprises exporting via YANTIAN, enhancing cash flow efficiency and improving the resilience and convenience of international trade operations. Beyond benefiting exporters, the initiative strengthens YANTIAN's appeal to international trade enterprises, fostering its water-to-water transshipment and rail-sea services while supporting the green transformation of transportation infrastructure. It also serves as a catalyst for high-level opening-up and high-quality development across South China, Southwest China, and Central China.
Looking ahead, as a trailblazer in Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation for over 31 years, YANTIAN will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to maximise the synergies of both regions' world-class land, air, and sea logistics networks, along with its robust rail connections. Committed to seamless inland and global connectivity, YANTIAN will deepen Shenzhen-Hong Kong shipping and logistics collaboration, further leveraging their complementary advantages. This includes expanding feeder throughput between YANTIAN and Hong Kong and introducing additional freight train services, such as the Chongqing-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Service, to strengthen three-way trade connectivity. These initiatives will drive Shenzhen's development into a logistics hub with global influence, reinforce Hong Kong's standing as an international shipping centre, enhance the Greater Bay Area's overall global competitiveness, and contribute to China's "dual-carbon" goals and high-quality international trade development.