Hongkong International Terminals Limited (HIT) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Chengdu International Railway Port Investment Development Co., Ltd. and Yantian International Container Terminals Limited to establish the “Chengdu-Shenzhen-Hong Kong” Rail-Sea Corridor.

HIT, one of Hong Kong’s major container terminal operators, said the service was launched following the success of the “Chongqing-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Train Service” last year.

HIT said the “Chengdu-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Train Service, substantially reduces transit time by “more than 50%.”

“This milestone signifies the integration of the Chengdu-Chongqing region into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and offers Chengdu’s foreign trade enterprises a more stable and efficient export route,” the announcement said, adding that it brings new cargo volumes to Hong Kong, fostering stronger economic ties among Chengdu, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

The announcement noted that as the hub of the new Western Land-Sea Corridor, Chengdu is partnering with Yantian Port in Shenzhen and Kwai Tsing Container Terminals in Hong Kong, where shippers gain access to over 170 international container services weekly.

Kwai Tsing Container Terminals boasts the highest number of routes to Asia and South America in the South China region. At the same time, Yantian Port, the only port in Shenzhen with direct rail access to the terminal area, serves as a critical gateway for European and American routes.

The “Chengdu-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Train Service” operates on a fixed schedule, significantly reducing transport time from Chengdu to Yantian Port from 6 days to 2 days and reaching Kwai Tsing Container Terminals within 3 days.

The announcement noted that this service, combined with the comprehensive coverage of both ports, provides a stable and efficient express export channel for foreign trade enterprises in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, connecting them to over 200 countries and regions — significantly boosting the export efficiency and international competitiveness of Chengdu’s electronic products and automotive components.

Officials from Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong signed a strategic cooperation agreement at the inaugural ceremony, strengthening ties between the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area through the Sichuan rail-sea corridor.

“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,” Amy Chan, deputy secretary for transport and logistics of the HKSAR Government, said.

"The official launch of the ‘Chengdu–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Scheduled Train 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,” Chan added.

Ivor Chow, managing director of HIT, said: “By forging strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, we aim to enhance trade connections and expand cargo hinterlands, building a resilient and long-term gateway for inland provinces to connect with global markets.”

The launch of the “Shenzhen-Hong Kong Connect” last year integrated Kwai Tsing Container Terminals and Yantian Port, forming the largest port cluster in South China.

HIT has also established a regular rail-sea intermodal channel with Guangxi Beibu Gulf International Port Group, expediting the movement of inland cargo to international markets and driving growth at Kwai Tsing Container Terminals.