📌Weekly Logistics Highlights

This week in the logistics realm, significant strides were made. Hong Kong introduced a drone delivery route, enhancing last-mile logistics. In China, major supply chain events were held, fostering innovation and collaboration. Also, key infrastructure and service expansions across ports and airlines took place, set to redefine regional and global logistics flows.

China:

Hong Kong, China

🔹Hong Kong Launches First Drone Delivery Route for Medical Supplies (Sept 15)：

On Sept 15, Hong Kong launched its first drone delivery route, operated by SF Express (Hong Kong) in partnership with Wingsiot. The route, spanning 12 kilometers between Cyberport on Hong Kong Island and Cheung Chau Island, aims to transport medical supplies such as drugs and test samples. During a trial run, a Wingsiot “Ark 20” drone completed the journey in just 18 minutes, potentially slashing delivery times by over 60% compared to traditional sea transport. This initiative, part of Hong Kong’s Low-Altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox program, is expected to improve healthcare access in outlying islands.
🔹Hong Kong to Expand Multimodal Freight Network (Sept 17)：

In his 2025 Policy Address on Sept 17, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced plans to expand the cross-provincial freight network. The government will promote multimodal transport of goods from inland provinces in China to Hong Kong via rail, sea, road, and river. Currently, goods from Chongqing and Chengdu are already transported to Kwai Tsing Port through Shenzhen’s Yantian Port or Guangxi’s Beibu Gulf Port using rail-sea combined transport. This expansion aims to enhance Hong Kong’s role as an international logistics hub.

Shenzhen, China

🔹Shenzhen Port Launches New Shipping Service to the Middle East (Sept 16)：

Shenzhen Port introduced a new shipping service to the Middle East on Sept 16. Operated by a major shipping line, the service has a weekly frequency and connects Shenzhen to key Middle Eastern ports like Jebel Ali. The new route is expected to meet the growing demand for trade between Shenzhen’s manufacturing base and the Middle East, especially for electronics, furniture, and consumer goods. It is projected to increase the port’s annual container throughput by 100,000 TEUs.
🔹Yantian Port Upgrades Automated Terminal Management System：

Yantian Port completed an upgrade of its automated terminal management system this week. The new system, leveraging AI and big data, can optimize container storage and retrieval operations more efficiently. It can predict equipment failures up to 48 hours in advance, reducing unplanned downtime by 40%. The upgrade also improves the utilization rate of terminal space by 20%, further enhancing the port’s handling capacity.

Guangzhou, China

🔹2025 National Supply Chain Innovation Exhibition Kicks off in Guangzhou (Sept 14)：

The 2025 National Supply Chain Innovation Exhibition opened in Guangzhou on Sept 14. Co-hosted by the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing, the event attracted over 200 exhibitors from various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and finance. The exhibition showcased the latest supply chain technologies, such as smart warehousing systems, blockchain-based supply chain finance solutions, and AI-powered demand forecasting tools. It also featured a series of forums and seminars discussing trends like digital transformation and sustainable supply chains.
🔹Guangzhou Port Launches Green Shipping Incentive Program：

Guangzhou Port launched a green shipping incentive program on Sept 18. Ships using alternative fuels like LNG or electric power can enjoy a 15 - 30% discount on port handling fees. The program aims to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions in the port area. It is expected that by the end of 2026, 25% of the ships calling at Guangzhou Port will use clean energy.

Shanghai, China

🔹COSCO Launches New Asia - Europe Express Service (Sept 14)：

COSCO launched a new Asia-Europe Express service on Sept 14. The service, with a bi-weekly frequency, uses 10,000-TEU vessels and reduces transit time by 3 - 4 days compared to existing routes. It connects major Asian ports, including Shanghai, Ningbo, and Qingdao, to ports in Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp. The new service is designed to meet the increasing demand for high-value and time-sensitive goods between Asia and Europe.
🔹Shanghai Port to Build a New Logistics Park (Sept 16)：

Shanghai Port announced plans to build a new logistics park on Sept 16. The park, covering an area of 100,000 square meters, will be equipped with advanced warehousing, sorting, and distribution facilities. It aims to serve as a regional distribution center for goods from Shanghai and surrounding areas. The project is expected to start construction in Q1 2026 and be completed within two years.

Tianjin, China

🔹Tianjin Port Completes Expansion of Container Terminal (Sept 17)：

Tianjin Port completed the expansion of its container terminal on Sept 17. The expanded terminal can handle an additional 500,000 TEUs per year. It is equipped with new quay cranes and automated container handling systems, increasing the terminal’s handling efficiency by 30%. The expansion is part of Tianjin Port’s efforts to enhance its competitiveness in the North China region.
🔹Sinotrans Tianjin Launches New Cold Chain Logistics Service：

Sinotrans Tianjin launched a new cold chain logistics service on Sept 15. The service offers temperature-controlled transportation and storage for perishable goods such as fresh food, pharmaceuticals, and flowers. With a fleet of refrigerated trucks and state - of - the - art cold storage facilities, Sinotrans Tianjin aims to meet the growing demand for cold chain logistics in Tianjin and its surrounding areas.

Qingdao, China

🔹Qingdao Port Launches New Service to South America (Sept 16)：

Qingdao Port launched a new shipping service to South America on Sept 16. The service, with a monthly frequency for now, connects Qingdao to major South American ports like Santos and Buenos Aires. The first voyage carried 2,000 TEUs of goods, mainly including home appliances, building materials, and textiles. The new route is expected to strengthen trade ties between Shandong Province and South America, with an estimated annual growth rate of 15% in cargo volume in the next two years.
🔹Qingdao Airlines Expands Cargo Network in Southeast Asia：

Qingdao Airlines announced the expansion of its cargo network in Southeast Asia on Sept 14. The airline will add two new cargo flights per week between Qingdao and Jakarta, and one new flight per week between Qingdao and Bangkok. Using Boeing 737-800BCF converted freighters, each flight can carry up to 25 tons of cargo. The expansion is in response to the increasing trade volume in Southeast Asia, especially in the areas of electronics, seafood, and consumer goods.

International:

Vietnam

🔹Vietnam Railways Launches New Cross-Border Freight Service (Sept 15)：

On Sept 15, Vietnam Railways launched a new cross-border freight service between Hanoi and Nanning, China. The service aims to boost trade between Vietnam and China by reducing transportation time and costs. Using 40-foot containers, each train can carry up to 2,500 tons of cargo. The new service is expected to increase the volume of goods transported between the two countries by 30% in the next year.
🔹Ho Chi Minh Port Upgrades Container Handling Equipment：

Ho Chi Minh Port completed the upgrade of its container handling equipment this week. The upgrade includes the installation of new gantry cranes and automated stacking cranes. The new equipment can handle larger vessels and increase the port’s daily container throughput by 20%. The upgrade is part of the port’s efforts to improve its competitiveness in the Southeast Asian region.

South Korea

🔹Korean Air Launches New Cargo Route to Africa (Sept 14)：

On Sept 14, Korean Air launched a new cargo route between Seoul and Johannesburg, with a stopover in Dubai. 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 Africa, 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 two months if demand is sufficient.
🔹Busan Port Launches Digital Twin Port Project (Sept 18)：

Busan Port launched a digital twin port project on Sept 18. The project, using AI, big data, and 3D modeling technologies, aims to create a virtual replica of the port to optimize operations. The digital twin can simulate different scenarios, such as ship arrivals, berthing, and cargo handling, to improve efficiency and reduce waiting times. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

United States

🔹U.S. Department of Transportation Announces New Incentives for Green Logistics (Sept 16)：

On Sept 16, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced new incentives for green logistics. Trucking companies that adopt electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles can receive tax credits and grants. The incentives aim to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector. The government also plans to invest in building more charging and refueling infrastructure for green vehicles.
🔹Amazon Expands Drone Delivery Service to the West Coast (Sept 18)：

On Sept 18, Amazon announced the expansion of its drone delivery service to the West Coast of the United States. The service, which was initially launched in the Midwest, will now cover major cities in California, Oregon, and Washington. 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.

Bangladesh

🔹Chittagong Port Launches New Logistics Park (Sept 14)：

On Sept 14, Chittagong Port launched a new logistics park. The park, covering an area of 80,000 square meters, is equipped with modern warehousing, sorting, and distribution facilities. It aims to serve as a regional logistics hub for Bangladesh, especially for the export of textiles, ready-made garments, and agricultural products. The new park is expected to boost the port’s competitiveness in the South Asian region.
🔹Bangladesh Railway Launches New Freight Service to Nepal (Sept 15)：

On Sept 15, Bangladesh Railway launched a new freight service to Nepal. 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 Nepal, reducing transportation costs and transit times. The two countries are also exploring the possibility of expanding the freight service to other South Asian countries.

Myanmar

🔹Myanmar Ports Authority Announces Expansion Plan for Sittwe Port (Sept 16)：

On Sept 16, the Myanmar Ports Authority announced an expansion plan for Sittwe 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 300,000 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 Singapore (Sept 14)：

On Sept 14, Myanmar Airways International launched a new cargo route between Yangon and Singapore. The route will operate four 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 Singapore, especially for agricultural products, electronics, and textiles.

EXTRANS GLOBAL - Weekly Logistics Operation Update - Week 38-2025