FOSTERING GREATER BAY AREA COLLABORATION
(Hong Kong – 1 Jun 2026) Hongkong International Terminals (HIT), in partnership with Hutchison Ports Yantian (Yantian) and Shenzhen Port Group, hosted the First Anniversary Ceremony and Customer Promotion Event for the “Chengdu–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Scheduled Rail–Sea Service” (the Scheduled Service) in Chengdu. To mark the 68th departure of the Scheduled Service, representatives from various government authorities, port partners, shipping lines, cargo owners and logistics enterprises from Hong Kong, Chengdu and Shenzhen gathered to celebrate the milestone. Guests also witnessed the signing of the Agreement on Deepening Joint Development of the Chengdu Inland Port.
Since the inaugural run on 28 May 2025, the Scheduled Service has provided exporters in Chengdu and the broader Southwest region with a stable, efficient and low-carbon connection to global markets. In November 2025, six months after the launch, service frequency increased from one to two trains per week. To date, 68 trains have operated along this corridor, driving a 28-fold year-on-year surge in cargo volume. Total goods transported have exceeded RMB 448 million, with key exports including machinery components, auto parts, electronic products, furniture and lighting.
In addition to offering fixed and reliable departure schedules, the Scheduled Service has shortened transit time from Chengdu to Yantian in Shenzhen from six days to two, and reaching Hong Kong’s Kwai Tsing Container Terminals within three days. From Yantian or Hong Kong Port, cargo can connect to ocean-going vessels serving over 200 countries and regions, further shortening delivery cycles and optimising cash flow for exporters.
With schedule punctuality scoring above 98%, the Scheduled Service continues to deliver dependable operations despite adverse weather conditions and holiday-related peak season travels. In comparison with conventional road transport, the rail–sea route can reduce overall logistics costs by at least 30%, supporting more cost-effective supply chain planning for customers.
Amy Chan, Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the HKSAR Government, remarked at the event, “The success of the ‘Chengdu–Shenzhen–Hong Kong scheduled sea-rail service is attributed to the rapid growth of Sichuan’s export manufacturing sector, and also the synergy of Kwai Tsing Container Terminals in Hong Kong and Yantian Port in Shenzhen. To date, the ‘Shenzhen-Hong Kong Connect’ port cluster has become a model of port collaboration within the Greater Bay Area. Through this collaboration, we have successfully expanded the cargo hinterland of the Greater Bay Area, creating a logistics pattern where goods manufactured across the nation are shipped out via Hong Kong and Shenzhen.”
Ivor Chow, Managing Director of HIT, said: “The Scheduled Service highlights the critical role Hong Kong plays as a ‘super connector’ for global trade. By seamlessly linking Southwest China’s manufacturing strengths with our extensive shipping network at Kwai Tsing, we are enabling faster, more cost-efficient cargo movements while supporting efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of global supply chains. HIT remains committed to strengthening strategic collaboration with Yantian and inland partners to deliver resilient, green and highly efficient logistics solutions that help businesses thrive.”
The Scheduled Service’s success reflects a strategic synergy between Chengdu’s industrial hinterland and the complementary strengths of the two GBA ports. Yantian provides South China’s extensive network of European and U.S. routes supported by an efficient intermodal system, while Kwai Tsing Container Terminals offer comprehensive coverage of Asian and South American trade lanes. With six daily barge sailings between Kwai Tsing and Yantian, the port cluster integrates rail, port, barge and international liner networks to help customers move goods with greater speed, reliability and sustainability.
The First Anniversary Ceremony and Customer Reception of the “Chengdu-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Rail-sea Service” was successfully held in Chengdu.
The 68th “Chengdu-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Scheduled Rail-sea Service” departed from Chengdu. Cargo on board reached Yantian within two days and Hong Kong’s Kwai Tsing Container Terminals within three days.
Amy Chan, Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the HKSAR Government (second from the right) and Ivor Chow, Managing Director of HIT (first from the right) witnessed the signing of the Agreement on Deepening Joint Development of the Chengdu Inland Port.
A portion of the cargo is transhipped via Yantian to Hong Kong’s Kwai Tsing Container Terminals.
Kwai Tsing Container Terminals boast the highest number of routes to Asia and South America in the South China region with 24 deep-water berths.
Equipped with 20 large-scale deep-water container berths, Yantian stands out as one of the few ports in the region capable of accommodating mega container vessels around the clock.