Cathay Cargo has introduced a third intermodal route for premium perishables into the Greater Bay Area via sea, reported London's Air Cargo News.

The new mode connects Hong Kong International Airport with the HKIA Logistics Park in Dongguan, adding to existing air-to-air links to Guangzhou and the Air-Land Fresh Lane trucking service via Zhuhai. The sea link, which has been used for other cargo since 2023, now supports refrigerated transfers of fresh goods under a single air waybill and transshipment certificate.

Trials conducted in February and March involved coconuts from Thailand and tuna from Spain using the Cathay Fresh solution. Tuna consignments were kept intact on pallets, transferred to cold storage at HKIA, then loaded into reefer containers and barged to Dongguan, effectively reducing temperature risks.

Cathay Cargo sales manager May Chung stated that tuna shipments are now running as regular business, with plans to expand refrigerated stowage capacity on barges. She noted that consignees benefit from collecting shipments directly from cold storage at Dongguan's pier, minimizing exposure to ambient temperatures.

While the sea route is slower than trucking via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge or direct flights to Guangzhou, it broadens timing and destination options. Cathay Cargo global sales head Toby Griffiths mentioned that the carrier now offers three intermodal routes into the GBA for premium produce, each with distinct advantages.