Han Ximin, Xia Yuanjie

1824295095@qq.com

MORE than 30 barges carrying food and other supplies have departed from Shenzhen to Hong Kong since Feb. 21, when three fast-track sea routes were put into operation, according to data released by the Shenzhen Maritime Safety Administration.

The new sea routes from Mawan, Dachan Bay and Yantian ports to Hong Kong were created to ensure timely transport of fresh food, basic necessities and produce supplied to Hong Kong.

The three ports’ designated berths can handle about 3,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) a day.

Seven ships in total are operating on a once-a-day basis and the transit time varies from two to eight hours.

Due to increased market demands, Yantian International Container Terminals opened a round-the-clock yard gate for supplies to Hong Kong and designated a storage area in the yard for these supplies.

Shenzhen’s customs has formulated special clearance programs to expedite the process, while the city’s maritime safety administration has coordinated ports, shipping companies, shipping agents and material providers to ensure the fastest and round-the-clock delivery.