EXTRANS GLOBAL - Weekly Logistics Operation Update - Week 37-2025

📌 Weekly Logistics Highlights

This week’s logistics sector saw impactful progress across regions: key new trade routes launched (e.g., Qingdao-Africa, Guangzhou-Turkey), critical network expansions rolled out (e.g., Hong Kong Airlines’ cargo fleet, Tianjin Port’s bonded park), and pivotal regulatory/strategic moves (e.g., U.S. truck safety rules, Shanghai Port’s green incentives). These steps will notably reshape regional and global logistics flows in the months ahead.

Hong Kong, China

▶️ Hong Kong Airlines Expands Cargo Fleet (Sept 8):

Hong Kong Airlines added two new Boeing 747-8F freighters to its fleet on Sept 8. Each aircraft has a payload capacity of 137 tons. The expansion is aimed at boosting the airline's cargo operations, especially on routes to North America and Europe. With these additional freighters, Hong Kong Airlines anticipates a 25% increase in its long-haul cargo capacity by the end of Q4 2025. The new aircraft will be deployed on the Hong Kong - Los Angeles and Hong Kong - London routes initially, with plans to add more destinations based on demand.
▶️ Hong Kong Port Launches New Smart Terminal System:

Starting Sept 9, Hong Kong Port introduced a new smart terminal system at its Kwai Tsing Container Terminals. The system uses AI and IoT technologies to optimize container handling operations. It can predict equipment failures up to 24 hours in advance, reducing unplanned downtime by 30%. Additionally, the system improves the efficiency of container stacking, increasing the terminal's storage capacity by 15%. The new system is expected to enhance the port's competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific region, handling an additional 500,000 TEUs annually.

Shenzhen, China

▶️ Shenzhen Airport Launches New E-commerce Cargo Service to Southeast Asia (Sept 10):

On Sept 10, Shenzhen Airport launched a dedicated e-commerce cargo service to major Southeast Asian cities, including Jakarta, Bangkok, and Manila. The service is provided in collaboration with major e-commerce platforms and logistics providers. Using Boeing 737 - 800BCF converted freighters, each flight can carry up to 25 tons of e-commerce parcels. The new service aims to meet the growing demand for cross-border e-commerce between China and Southeast Asia, with an expected growth rate of 35% in parcel volume in the next six months.
▶️ Yantian Port Completes Upgrades to Automated Yard Crane System:

Yantian Port completed upgrades to its automated yard crane system this week. The upgrade, which took three months, improves the crane's operating speed by 20% and its positioning accuracy by 15%. As a result, the port can now handle 800 more containers per day. The upgraded system also reduces energy consumption by 18%, in line with the port's sustainability goals. The improvements are expected to further enhance Yantian Port's position as a leading container port in the world.

Guangzhou, China

▶️ Guangzhou International Port Launches First-Ever Freight Train to Turkey (Sept 6):

On Sept 6, the first freight train from Guangzhou International Port to Turkey departed. The train, carrying 50 forty-foot containers filled with household appliances, clothing, and shoes, will reach Istanbul in about 20 days. The "rail-sea-rail" multi - modal transport route is about 10,000 kilometers long, passing through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. It saves about 15 days compared to sea-only transport and costs about 40% less than air freight. This new route is expected to boost trade between the Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macao Greater Bay Area and Turkey, serving over 300 local exporters.
▶️ Guangzhou's Express Delivery Volume Exceeds 150 Billion Parcels, 31 Days Ahead of 2024 (Sept 7):

As of Sept 7, the express delivery volume in Guangzhou exceeded 150 billion parcels, a 13.4% year - on - year increase and 31 days earlier than in 2024. The growth is driven by the expansion of e-commerce and the development of cross-border trade. To support this growth, the city has been strengthening its logistics infrastructure, such as promoting the construction of key projects like the Jitu Greater Bay Area Digital Supply Chain Industrial Park and expanding the international express delivery capacity. The city's cross-border express delivery volume has reached 120 million pieces, with a year-on-year growth rate of 69.2%.

Shanghai, China

▶️ Shanghai Port Launches Green Shipping Incentive Program:

Shanghai Port introduced a green shipping incentive program on Sept 11. Ships using low-sulfur fuels or alternative energy sources can enjoy a 10 - 20% discount on port charges. The program aims to reduce air pollution and promote the use of clean energy in the shipping industry. It is expected that by the end of 2025, 30% of the ships calling at Shanghai Port will meet the green shipping criteria. The port authority also plans to invest in more shore-side power supply facilities to support the green transformation of the shipping industry.
▶️ COSCO Launches New Asia - Middle East Express Service:

COSCO launched a new Asia - Middle East Express service on Sept 9. The service, which has a weekly frequency, connects major Asian ports, including Shanghai, Ningbo, and Xiamen, to key Middle Eastern ports such as Jebel Ali and Damman. Using 8,000-TEU vessels, the new service reduces transit time by 2 - 3 days compared to existing routes. This is expected to meet the growing demand for trade between Asia and the Middle East, especially for high-value and time-sensitive goods like electronics and consumer products.

Tianjin, China

▶️ Tianjin Port Completes Expansion of its Free Trade Zone Bonded Logistics Park:

Tianjin Port completed the expansion of its free trade zone bonded logistics park on Sept 8. The expanded area is 50,000 square meters, increasing the park's total area to 150,000 square meters. The expansion allows for the storage of an additional 300,000 tons of goods. With this expansion, the park can better serve the needs of domestic and international companies engaged in bonded warehousing, distribution, and value-added processing. The park also plans to introduce more advanced logistics management systems to improve operational efficiency.
▶️ Sinotrans Tianjin Launches New Logistics Service for High-Tech Products:

Sinotrans Tianjin launched a new logistics service for high-tech products on Sept 10. The service offers specialized handling, transportation, and storage solutions for products such as semiconductors, medical devices, and high-end electronics. With a dedicated team of professionals and advanced temperature - and humidity-controlled facilities, Sinotrans Tianjin aims to meet the strict requirements of high-tech product logistics. The new service is expected to attract more high-tech companies to use Sinotrans' services for their domestic and international logistics needs.

Qingdao, China

▶️ Qingdao Port Launches New Container Route to Africa (Sept 7):

On Sept 7, Qingdao Port launched a new container route to Africa. The route, which has a monthly frequency for now, will connect Qingdao to major African ports like Durban, Mombasa, and Lagos. The first voyage carried 2,500 TEUs of goods, mainly including building materials, household appliances, and textiles. The new route is expected to strengthen trade ties between Shandong Province and Africa, with an estimated annual growth rate of 20% in cargo volume in the next two years.
▶️ Qingdao Airlines Expands Cargo Routes in Northeast Asia:

Qingdao Airlines announced the expansion of its cargo routes in Northeast Asia on Sept 9. The airline will add three new cargo flights per week between Qingdao and Seoul, and two new flights per week between Qingdao and Tokyo. Using A321 - 200P2F converted freighters, each flight can carry up to 20 tons of cargo. The expansion is in response to the increasing trade volume in Northeast Asia, especially in the areas of electronics, auto parts, and fresh produce.

Vietnam

▶️ Vietnam Railways Launches New Container Train Service (Sept 8):

On Sept 8, Vietnam Railways launched a new container train service between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The service aims to reduce the transportation time of goods between the two major cities from 3 - 4 days by road to 24 hours. Using 40-foot containers, each train can carry up to 2,000 tons of cargo. The new service is expected to boost domestic trade and reduce road congestion. It also provides a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for transporting goods within Vietnam.
▶️ Ho Chi Minh Port Upgrades Cold Chain Facilities:

Ho Chi Minh Port completed the upgrade of its cold chain facilities this week. The upgrade includes the installation of new refrigeration units, improved temperature monitoring systems, and expanded storage space. The cold chain facilities can now store an additional 500 tons of perishable goods, such as seafood, fruits, and pharmaceuticals. With these upgrades, the port aims to meet the growing demand for cold chain logistics in Vietnam, especially for exports to neighboring countries and regions.

South Korea

▶️ Korean Air Launches New Cargo Route to South America (Sept 10):

On Sept 10, Korean Air launched a new cargo route between Seoul and São Paulo, with a stopover in Anchorage. Using Boeing 747 - 8F freighters, each flight can carry up to 130 tons of cargo. The new route is expected to enhance trade between South Korea and South America, especially in the areas of electronics, automotive parts, and consumer goods. Korean Air plans to increase the frequency of the service from weekly to bi-weekly in the next three months if demand is sufficient.
▶️ Busan Port Launches Smart Port Management System:

Busan Port launched a new smart port management system on Sept 11. The system uses big data, AI, and blockchain technologies to optimize port operations. It can predict ship arrivals and departures more accurately, reducing waiting times by 20%. The system also improves the efficiency of container handling and storage, increasing the port's daily throughput by 10%. The new system is expected to make Busan Port more competitive in the global shipping market.

United States

▶️ U.S. Department of Transportation Announces New Regulations for Logistics Trucks (Sept 9):

On Sept 9, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced new regulations for logistics trucks. The regulations include stricter safety requirements, such as the installation of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in all new trucks starting from 2026. The new regulations also aim to improve the fuel efficiency of trucks, reducing carbon emissions. The trucking industry is expected to invest billions of dollars in upgrading its fleet to meet these new regulations.
▶️ Amazon Expands its Drone Delivery Service in the Midwest (Sept 12):

On Sept 12, Amazon announced the expansion of its drone delivery service in the Midwest region of the United States. The service, which was initially launched in a few select areas, will now cover more cities in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Customers in these areas can receive eligible packages weighing up to 5 pounds within 30 minutes of placing an order. Amazon plans to further expand the service to other regions in the coming months, aiming to revolutionize last-mile delivery in the e-commerce industry.

Bangladesh

▶️ Chittagong Port Launches New Container Terminal (Sept 7):

On Sept 7, Chittagong Port launched a new container terminal. The terminal has a handling capacity of 1 million TEUs per year. It is equipped with modern gantry cranes and automated container handling systems. The new terminal is expected to reduce congestion at the port and improve the efficiency of cargo handling. It will also boost Bangladesh's trade competitiveness, especially in the export of textiles, ready-made garments, and agricultural products.
▶️ Bangladesh Railway Launches New Freight Service to India (Sept 8):

On Sept 8, Bangladesh Railway launched a new freight service to India. The service will transport goods such as cement, coal, and consumer products between the two countries. The new service is expected to enhance trade between Bangladesh and India, reducing transportation costs and transit times. The two countries are also exploring the possibility of expanding the freight service to other regions in South Asia.

Myanmar

▶️ Myanmar Ports Authority Announces Expansion Plan for Yangon Port (Sept 10):

On Sept 10, the Myanmar Ports Authority announced an expansion plan for Yangon Port. The plan includes the construction of a new berth, expansion of the container yard, and upgrade of port facilities. The expansion is expected to increase the port's annual throughput by 500,000 TEUs. The project is part of Myanmar's efforts to boost its maritime trade and improve its connectivity with the rest of Southeast Asia.
▶️ Myanmar Airways International Launches New Cargo Route to Malaysia (Sept 11):

On Sept 11, Myanmar Airways International launched a new cargo route between Yangon and Kuala Lumpur. The route will operate three times a week using Airbus A321-200P2F converted freighters, with a payload capacity of 20 tons per flight. The new route aims to meet the growing demand for air cargo transportation between Myanmar and Malaysia, especially for agricultural products, electronics, and textiles.

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