A large cargo ship named Xin Ming Zhou 106 is docked at Jiaxing Port. [Photo/Tide News]

Ningbo Ocean Shipping Co — Zhejiang province's largest container liner company — launched a major upgrade to its Southeast Asia routes on April 18, aiming to boost regional trade efficiency and deepen logistics integration with ASEAN nations.

The company has split its previous circular route — Zhapu (Jiaxing)–Ningbo–Ho Chi Minh–Laem Chabang–Bangkok–Zhapu — into two streamlined international lines. The newly created "Zhapu–Ningbo–Ho Chi Minh" and "Zhapu–Ningbo–Laem Chabang–Bangkok–Sihanoukville" routes are designed for faster and more direct service.

Marking a significant milestone, the Xin Ming Zhou 106 vessel completed the maiden voyage on the latter route, which for the first time includes Cambodia's largest deep-water port, Sihanoukville.

This expansion not only fills a gap in the company's Southeast Asian network but also enhances connectivity between Ningbo-Zhoushan Port and key ports in Thailand and Cambodia, reinforcing industrial cooperation between China and ASEAN markets.

The upgraded routes will also benefit Zhejiang's growing tropical fruit import business. Ningbo Ocean Shipping holds exclusive rights to operate direct import services from Southeast Asia to Jiaxing Port.

With these new routes, tropical fruits from the region can now reach Yangtze River Delta markets faster and more cost-effectively, cutting shipping costs per container and boosting freshness at delivery.