A container vessel named FSL KELANG safely berthed at Qingdao Port recently, operated by Shandong Port Group (SPG). This marked the official launch of the NT8 China–Thailand Express service, a new direct maritime connection operated by CNC, the intra-Asia shipping arm of the CMA CGM Group.

The service, noted for its precision, efficiency and convenience, is designed to inject strong momentum into bilateral trade connections and contribute to SPG's efforts to empower regional economic development.

The NT8 service, featuring a streamlined port rotation and direct shipping links, precisely deploys calls at domestic northern and southern logistics hubs.

It also selects key port calls and provides point-to-point connectivity between China and Thailand's Port of Laem Chabang.

This has helped it foster an efficient logistics corridor between ports in North and South China and facilitated China-Thailand trade exchanges.

Compared to traditional shipping routes, the service reduces complex transshipment process and intermediate stops, avoiding cargo delivery delays and damage caused by frequent handling and transshipment, thus offering customers a new logistics experience characterized by reliability and quality.

The increased voyage frequency will also benefit premium "Made in China" products such as electronic components, household goods, and specialty agricultural products. The service will provide them with more stable and efficient export channels, effectively catering to the growing trade demand between China and Thailand.

To ensure successful maiden voyage operations, Qingdao Port's Qingdao Qianwan United Container Terminal (QQCTU) has systematically coordinated key resources such as berths, quay cranes, and storage yards.

A customized vessel-specific plan was designed to enable seamless integration across the entire workflow, ranging from pilotage, berthing, loading and unloading, and storage to transshipment.

This professional and highly efficient port operation fully demonstrates SPG's excellent service capabilities.

The FSL KELANG berths at Qingdao Port. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]