A batch of smart containers are loaded onto the ship at Haitian Terminal for transportation to Saudi Arabia. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

On May 22, a batch of Silk Road Maritime smart containers, traveling by train from Nanchang, capital of East China's Jiangxi province, to Xiamen in Southeast China's Fujian province, boarded a container ship operated by CMA CGM at the Haitian Terminal of Xiamen Port, embarking on a journey to Saudi Arabia. 

This marks the official launch of the first multimodal Silk Road Maritime route to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The Nanchang-Xiamen-Saudi Arabia transport route boasts several advantages, including optimized business processes and simplified customs clearance procedures. It shortens transportation time by approximately seven days compared to traditional routes, saving an average of 1,400 yuan ($193) per container in logistics costs and reducing overall costs by nearly 25 percent, thereby helping international trade enterprises reduce costs and increase efficiency.

In addition, it leverages the resources of the Silk Road Maritime sea-rail intermodal platform between Fujian and Jiangxi, secures stable sources of goods, and further enhances the market competitiveness of enterprises.　　

The smart containers in this shipment are loaded with high-value automotive components. Supported by the Silk Road Maritime International Shipping Service Platform and bolstered by mobile communications, BeiDou, GPS dual-channel satellite positioning, and IoT technologies, the entire logistics process is visualized. Enterprises engaging in international trade can track and monitor the land-sea transport trajectory and business dynamics of goods in real-time.

GCC countries enjoy a key geographical position, serving as a crucial hub between Asia, Africa and Europe. They are important partners in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, and Fujian has deepened economic and trade exchanges with them over the years. Xiamen Port, as a major seaport along China's southeastern coast, currently has nine routes covering ports in GCC countries, with a container throughput of 170,000 TEUs last year.