Ningbo Zhoushan Port has handled more than 1.2 million TEU in combined sea-rail intermodal transportation in 2021 for the first time, achieving a volume record as well as a year-on-year increase of 19.5%.

Since the beginning of 2021, the Chinese port has enhanced its functions at the container sea-rail intermodal transportation system, organising a dense distribution network, improving its service capabilities and ensuring the smooth flow of the logistics chain.

In the meantime, China's second-busiest port has deepened cooperation with the national railway department and has also strengthened coordination with Maersk, COSCO Shipping, MSC, Evergreen and other shipping companies, promoting the sea-rail transportation business throughout 2021.

A total of 11 special trains by shipping companies and nine customised enterprise trains have opened since the beginning of 2021. Hence, Ningbo Zhoushan Port has completed a total of 108,000 TEU of sea-rail combined transportation, representing a year-on-year growth of more than 137%, according to a statement.

Furthermore, with the launch of the "Ningbo North-Ningbo Zhoushan Port," the sea-rail combined transport and port dredging train, as well as the introduction of new modes such as direct shipping of sea-rail booking boxes earlier in 2021, the port has solved problems caused by storage resources shortages, has alleviated road congestion, and has also reduced carbon emissions.

Ningbo Zhoushan Port has opened 21 sea-rail combined transport trains, covering 61 prefecture-level cities in 16 provinces across the country, according to a statement.

"In the next step, Ningbo Zhoushan Port will continue to strengthen the service level of sea-rail combined transportation, centering on business model innovation, policy innovation, digital reform and innovation, product innovation and integrated operation innovation, and boosting sea-railway with a two-way drive by sea and land," stated a port official.