The Chongqing–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Scheduled rail-sea service marked its first anniversary this week with sharp gains in freight volume and faster transit times, underscoring its growing role in connecting inland China to global markets.

Since its launch in August 2024, the service has seen freight volumes surge nearly ninefold last year and grow 1.6 times year-to-date, according to Hutchison Ports YANTIAN.

The corridor now moves cargo from Chongqing to YANTIAN in just two days—down from five—and reaches Hong Kong's Kwai Tsing Port within three days, offering shippers a faster alternative amid tariff volatility and rising demand for time-sensitive logistics.

"This scheduled rail-sea service was named one of 12 outstanding container rail-sea services by the Ministry of Transport, the National Railway Administration, and China State Railway Group," said Lawrence Shum, Managing Director of YANTIAN. "The results have been remarkable."

The service, jointly operated by YANTIAN, Hongkong International Terminals (HIT), and Shenzhen Port Group, has completed 168 runs to date.

It links the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), offering direct access to ocean-going vessels at YANTIAN and Kwai Tsing, which connect to over 200 countries and regions.

"Since its launch, the service has operated with speed, stability and efficiency thanks to strong collaboration across the three regions," said Li Zhong, Secretary of the CPC Yantian District Committee. "It has become a strategic logistics corridor connecting the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and the GBA."

Officials from Chongqing, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong gathered at YANTIAN Port to mark the milestone and discuss future cooperation. Yaxi Zhang, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal Government, called the service "a vital backbone of Chongqing’s multimodal transport network," and expressed confidence that it would evolve into "a golden corridor of smooth connectivity and growing prosperity."

Amy Chan, Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the HKSAR Government, highlighted the synergy between YANTIAN and Kwai Tsing ports. "YANTIAN is the only container port in Shenzhen with direct rail access," she said. "Together, the two ports enable truly global reach."

Looking ahead, the China Railway Guangzhou Group plans to increase train frequency and expand multimodal networks. "We will continue to deepen cooperation with YANTIAN and our Hong Kong partners," said Haitao Song, Director of the Railway Freight Department. "This will deliver more robust support for export-led economic growth."

The service also supports China's carbon neutrality goals by offering a lower-emission alternative to traditional trucking routes. Hutchison Ports YANTIAN said it will continue working with government and industry partners to enhance connectivity, drive innovation, and strengthen the GBA’s position in global trade.