(Shenzhen, China, 4 June 2025) On the morning of 28 May, the inaugural “Chengdu-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Rail-sea Service” departed from Chengdu, fully loaded with goods, including electrical parts. Cargoes on this scheduled train will arrive at Hutchison Ports YANTIAN (YANTIAN) in Shenzhen within two days and reach Kwai Tsing Container Terminals in Hong Kong via barge connection within three days, facilitating exports to markets across the globe.
Following the successful launch of the “Chongqing-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Rail-sea Service” last August, this new route provides the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle with another stable and efficient export route. It also marks the official activation of Chengdu Inland Port, YANTIAN’s 18th inland port, further enhancing economic and trade linkages between the Chengdu-Chongqing region and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
As a key Belt and Road hub city, Chengdu’s collaboration with YANTIAN and Kwai Tsing Container Terminals represents a strong strategic partnership. YANTIAN, one of the world’s largest container terminals, offers an extensive international route network and collaborates closely with shipping lines, government departments, and port inspection authorities to provide frequent, diverse, efficient, and high-quality maritime services. It boasts the highest number of routes to Europe and the U.S. in the South China region and is the only port in Shenzhen with direct rail access to the terminal. Many international shipping lines designate YANTIAN as the final South China port of call for their Europe & U.S. services. Kwai Tsing Container Terminals, meanwhile, serves as a critical gateway to Asian and South American routes. Together, the two ports provide comprehensive global coverage, with daily barge connections ensuring seamless coordination and creating an express export channel for products to reach global markets efficiently.
At the inaugural ceremony, Lawrence Shum, Managing Director of YANTIAN, expressed gratitude to the Qingbaijiang District Government of Chengdu City, Chengdu Customs, Chengdu Port and Logistics Office, Chengdu Railway Bureau, Guangzhou Railway Bureau, Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Transport, Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Chengdu, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and the Shenzhen Port Group. He stated, “This inauguration of the ‘Chengdu-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Rail-sea Service’ demonstrates YANTIAN’s commitment to the national strategy of building a strong transportation network and advancing green rail-sea intermodal development. Supported by railway authorities, this scheduled train operates with a fixed schedule, route, and price, reducing transit time from Chengdu to Yantian from six days to two, and enabling three-day delivery to Kwai Tsing Container Terminals. This service allows goods to be shipped to over 200 countries and regions, providing a more stable, efficient, and low-carbon export channel for Chengdu’s foreign trade enterprises and fostering shared benefits for Chengdu, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.”
Wang Ping, Deputy Director of the Chengdu Port & Logistics Office and the representative of the Qingbaijiang District Government of Chengdu City attended the event and said, “YANTIAN’s Chengdu Inland Port strengthens the connection creating synergy between the enhanced connectivity in operations, port resources and logistics data among Chengdu, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, thereby reducing costs, improving logistics efficiency and supporting the high-quality development of foreign trade in these three cities.”
Cai Xin, Deputy Director-General, Transportation Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality added, “The ‘Chengdu-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Service’ has established a key logistics channel linking the GBA with the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle. It unites Chengdu’s robust manufacturing sector, Shenzhen’s international shipping capacities, and Hong Kong’s financial and trade services, driving momentum for China’s new development model.”
Amy Chan, Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the HKSAR Government, remarked at the event, “The Kwai Tsing and Yantian ports are highly complementary in their shipping routes, with YANTIAN focusing on Europe and America, while Kwai Tsing concentrating on Asia, Africa and Latin America. By joining hands together, both ports are now connected to destinations around the globe and set a benchmark for port collaboration within the Greater Bay Area. The official launch of the ‘Chengdu–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Scheduled Rail-sea Service’ marks a new era in Hong Kong's and Shenzhen’s efforts to promote high-quality foreign trade development. It also represents a significant milestone in fostering deeper cooperation among Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Sichuan.”
Yihong Zhang, Director of Railway Freight Department of China Railway Guangzhou Group said, “As a strategic partner of Shenzhen Port Group and YANTIAN, we are committed to building a reliable logistics corridor that connects Chengdu, Shenzhen and Hong Kong through a 2,100-kilometre railway network. The Chengdu Railway Bureau and China Railway Guangzhou Group have demonstrated exceptional decision-making and accountability in train operations. Through measures like fare discounts and route optimisation, we have reduced logistics costs effectively. We will collaborate closely with the Chengdu Railway Bureau to support the modernisation of China.”
During the ceremony, representatives from Chengdu, Shenzhen and Hong Kong signed two strategic cooperation agreements: “Chengdu-Shenzhen Inland Port Strategic Cooperation Agreement” and the “Chengdu–Shenzhen-Hong Kong Rail-Sea Corridor Strategic Cooperation Agreement”. These agreements highlight mutual trust and resource sharing among the three cities, laying a solid foundation for helping importers and exporters navigate the challenges of a volatile global market.
Mr. Shum concluded, “Closer cooperation between YANTIAN and Kwai Tsing ports allows us to leverage the advantages of both ports and fulfill our vision of ‘internal connectivity, external reach’. It integrates the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and other inland regions with the GBA, fostering mutual growth. We will continue to support efficient outbound trade for inland goods through 32 rail-sea intermodal routes, a dense barge network, reliable shipping services. By coordinating with government, Customs, and enterprises, we not only strengthen Shenzhen as a global logistics hub and reinforce Hong Kong’s role as an international maritime centre but also enhance the overall international competitiveness of the GBA. We are proud to contribute to the national ‘dual carbon’ goals and the high-quality development of foreign trade.”