On 17 January 2007, YICT welcomed its first new European Service of the year, Asia-Europe Loop 1 (AES1) Service, which is operated by the CKYH Alliance with the Maiden Vessel call of the 8,200-TEU "YM Ultimate". The new service replaces the former AE4 Service having completed a series of adjustments to enhance the efficiency of the line-haul route, which included an increase in cargo capacity and a reduction in transit time.
The CKYH Alliance have deployed a total of eight 8,000-TEU container vessels to their new European Service, which records a transit time of just 19 days between Yantian and Rotterdam.
YICT's outstanding capacity and ability to handle swiftly the influx of cargo volumes generated by the growing number of mega-vessels deployed by the world's top shipping lines, distinguishes the facility from other ports in the South China region. By the end of January 2007, YICT will receive a grand total of 80 scheduled shipping services a week, further strengthening its definitive port of choice status.
The AES1 Service includes a port rotation of Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, Kaohsiung, Yantian, Singapore, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Felixstowe, Antwerp, Singapore, Kaohsiung and Shanghai, calling at Yantian every Wednesday.