COSCO SHIPPING Lines sets a new record by exporting 13,052 vehicles in three batches from Taicang Port, showcasing China's automotive growth.
COSCO SHIPPING Lines has achieved a milestone by completing the shipment of 13,052 vehicles in three batches under the Chery automotive container export project at Taicang Port.
This marks a record high for containerised vehicle export operations in East China, highlighting the rapid growth of China's automotive export sector.
To support this growth, COSCO SHIPPING has adopted innovative strategies, combining multipurpose vessels with container ships to create an efficient export channel for vehicle manufacturers. By integrating its route network, port resources, and the multipurpose vessel capacity of COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers, the company has achieved a '1+1>2' synergy, delivering outcomes beyond the sum of individual capabilities.
The project posed significant operational challenges due to tight deadlines, a complex transportation chain, and demanding coordination. Vehicles from multiple locations were consolidated at Taicang Port, passing through containerisation, port delivery, and vessel loading before being shipped to Europe. Shanghai Lines, a COSCO SHIPPING subsidiary, formed a dedicated task force to manage the process from start to finish. The team handled container allocation, berth securing, and coordination with terminals, vehicle fleets, vessel operators, and manufacturers, ensuring smooth end-to-end operations. Multi-department collaboration and contingency plans enabled the establishment of a high-efficiency transport corridor to the Port of Vado, Italy.
Over the past year, COSCO SHIPPING has provided containerised vehicle export services to various automotive brands, covering key markets in Europe, the Mediterranean, and Latin America. The company has transitioned from individual case-by-case shipments to large-volume, standardised operations. It has also expanded from single-link shipping services to comprehensive door-to-door solutions, addressing the evolving needs of vehicle manufacturers. This approach has strengthened the stability and efficiency of China's automotive export logistics supply chain.
Looking ahead, COSCO SHIPPING plans to deepen partnerships with stakeholders across the supply chain. By prioritising safety and operational durability, the company aims to build a resilient ecosystem capable of supporting China's automotive brands on the global stage. More than a logistics expansion, this reflects COSCO SHIPPING's commitment to empowering China's automotive exports with reliable and efficient transport solutions.
