A new Far East service from Wilhelmshaven, Germany, announced at the end of 2024, will start with its first departure. Two Chinese partners are behind it.
Kawa Shipping and Zhejiang Seaport Logistics are jointly organising the new direct connection from Wilhelmshaven to Ningbo in China. The Zhejiang Seaport Logistics Group opened a logistics park at the Jade-Weser Port in 2024 and is reportedly responsible for the cargo.
The operator of the one ship so far is Kawa Shipping. The “Kawa Ningbo”, with a capacity of 2,496 TEU, left the Eurogate terminal in Wilhelmshaven for its first departure on 30 December.
From Wilhelmshaven to Ningbo in 26 days
According to a report by the industry service Alphaliner, a transit time of just 26 days between the port of departure and port of destination is planned. Unlike almost all other shipping companies in this important trade lane, the Chinese are foregoing a detour around the Cape of Good Hope. Instead, they are taking the direct route through the Suez Canal.
If this “test run” is successful, the “China Europe Express” (CEX) will be officially launched later in the year. Details such as the frequency or the planned number of ships are not yet known.
In addition to the waterside connection between the two continents, a continuous hinterland transport service by rail from Wilhelmshaven to Budapest is also planned, according to an earlier announcement.
