New rail-sea route boosts auto exports to Middle East

NANNING — A "ro-ro" (roll-on/roll-off) vessel recently departed from South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, marking the launch of the first such route from Beibu Gulf Port, and its first direct maritime link with Dubai's Jebel Ali Port.

Carrying 1,500 vehicles, the ship is expected to reach the Middle East's largest port after a voyage of approximately 18 days.

The 4,700-nautical-mile route links growing auto manufacturing hubs in western China with the Middle East's thriving auto market, cutting transit times by four to 10 days and boosting logistics efficiency by 10 to 15 percent compared to traditional routes.