The Xiamen Port docks are filled with cargo. [Photo by Lin Yuyang for en.ftz.xm.gov.cn]

The KOTA SINGA vessel carrying 1,738 containers recently set sail for Durban, South Africa, along the direct shipping route between Xiamen and Durban, also known as the "BRICS Twin Cities". The route, which is the only long-haul route connecting Fujian province to South Africa, has been operating smoothly for 10 years.

The route initially had only one vessel when it was launched in 2014 but has since expanded to include 11 vessels. It calls at the Haitian Terminal located in Xiamen Free Trade Zone once a week, with stops in Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries.

According to statistics from Xiamen Customs, over the past 10 years since its opening, there have been a total of 458 voyages along the route, with a total import and export value of 29.2 billion yuan ($4.18 billion), handling a throughput of 1.1 million TEUs. 

Before the opening of the route, import and export goods had to be transshipped in Singapore, which added extra time for cargo handling and waiting for vessel schedules. The opening of the route has improved the efficiency of cargo circulation, reducing transit time by at least seven days.

Xiamen Customs officers supervise goods exported to Durban. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]