On 25 March 2009, a new shuttle barge service was launched with the joint support of YICT and Zhongshan Port and Shipping Enterprise Group (Zhongshan Port and Shipping).
Under the operation of Zhongshan Port and Shipping's subsidiary, Xiaolan Port Cargo Transportation Related Co., Ltd., the service will help factories in and around Zhongshan's Xiaolan Town – an area with many large producers of electronics, appliances, hardware and furniture – ship their goods to Yantian in a way that is more convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly than trucking. These manufacturers will also benefit from batch transport as well as batch declaration and clearance at Dapeng Customs at Yantian.
A 118-TEU barge will depart from Xiaolan Port every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, travelling 16 hours to arrive at Yantian the following day. The barge will then head back to Xiaolan on the same day. Additional vessels covering Zhongshan and Shenwan ports will be deployed once cargo volume increases.
Once the containers arrive in Yantian, they will be distributed to frequent international shipping services at a YICT's world-class rate of efficiency before heading on to markets worldwide.
Photo Caption: On 25 March 2009, the inaugural ceremony of Xiaolan-Yantian Express Service is held in Xiaolan Port, Zhongshan City