Vehicles Shipped Directly to Europe as Geely Adds Another Self-Owned Ro-Ro Vessel

 

 

Image provided by Zhejiang Seaport

 

 

On September 21, over 3,000 vehicles were loaded step by step onto “JISU Fortune”, the LNG-powered dual-fuel Ro-Ro vessel, at the Meixi RO-RO Terminal, marking the official commissioning of the second self-operated Ro-Ro ship under Geely’s logistics arm - the JISU Logistics. The vessel will sail directly from Ningbo-Zhoushan Port to multiple key European ports, bolstering international logistics channels for Chinese automobile exports and enhancing the resilience of global supply chains.

Amid rapid growth in China’s auto exports, Zhejiang Seaport has fully strengthened its role as a pivotal hub by optimizing logistics systems and proactively supporting the country’s new development pattern of“dual circulation”. On July 3,"Zakher", the UAE-registered Ro-Ro ship,was officially named and launched its maiden voyage from Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, while on September 15, the ro-ro vessel “Forest Glory” set sail from Zhuangyuan Ao Port Area of Wenzhou Port, initiating the port’s first foreign trade automotive Ro-Ro service. These developments collectively provide efficient new pathways for China’s new energy vehicle exports.

 

 

Image provided by Zhejiang Seaport

 

 

The maiden voyage of the “JISU Fortune” represents a critical step in Geely Holding Group’s globalization strategy and demonstrates how Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in its latest move, with support from port authorities, is serving the province's export-oriented economy and fostering high-quality development in the automotive industry. To ensure a smooth inaugural sailing, the port proactively tailored its operations to Geely’s vehicle export needs.It alsodeveloped a tailored loading and unloading plan based on vehicle models, specifications and loading demand, coordinated and deployed specialized handling resources and operational teams accordingly, and optimized the entire process from vehicle inspection upon port entry, parking, to final loading, demonstrating its high-standard professional logistics capabilities.

Ningbo Customs strongly adhered to a dual approach of “smart supervision + precision services” by leveraging an intelligent logistics platform to obtain advance berthing schedules of export Ro-Ro vessels. In close coordination with the Meixi Ro-Ro Terminal, the Customs authority maintained real-time oversight of key logistics milestones, including vessel declaration, berthing, and cargo handling, enabling fully paperless documentation and automated clearance approvals.Besides, it integrated clearance, inspection, and logistics procedures, while implementing facilitative policies such as "advance declaration," "appointment-based inspection," and "direct loading upon arrival". These measures collectively provided automakers with a highly efficient export clearance environment.Additionally, the Customs agency strengthened communication with LNG suppliers to clarify bunkering-related berthing and departure plans. Officers conducted prompt onboard inspections and provided declaration guidance to enterprises, ensuring smooth and safe fuel loading operations for the vessel.

The Ningbo Maritime Safety Administration  took proactive steps ahead of the operation, implementing a series of facilitative measures such as“a waiver of inspection immediately prior to departure”, “off-hours appointment-based government services”, and “joint inspections by multiple port authorities”. In collaboration with Customs, border control, and other port agencies, the administration also opened a green channel for the approval of import and export cargo, significantly speeding up the clearance process of vessels.During the loading operation, maritime experts from the administration will be assigned to optimize the stowage plan according to the quantity and models of vehicles handled at the port. They also provided guidance on self-inspection procedures covering vehicle lashing and securing, safety checks, and stowage arrangements to ensure the vessel's seaworthiness and the cargo's safe transport.While the vessel entered and departed the port, the administration utilized its smart maritime platform to conduct electronic patrols and dynamically monitor busy waterway areas, thereby safeguarding smooth and safe navigation during the entire port call.

The NingboStation of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspectionhas shifted service delivery forward proactively through implementing a tailored "one Ship, one policy" inspection measure. This proactive approach featured a "pre-inspection, batch clearance" model, which allowed for the advance inspection of all 3,000-plus export vehicles. By fully utilizing digital platforms, including the Port Frontier Inspection Integrated Management Information Systemand the“Zhejiang Exit-Entry Frontier Inspection Fingertip Service" App, the station processed administrative licenses and document checks in a streamlined "one-stop" procedure. This efficiency resulted in "zero waiting" for the vessel during port operations and "zero delay" at departure. Finally, through port patrols and video surveillance, safety oversight was reinforced to ensure the vessel's swift and smooth clearance for its maiden voyage.

Looking ahead, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port plans to further upgrade its Ro-Ro facilities and optimize shipping routes. By deepening collaboration with automotive and shipping enterprises, the port aims to support more Chinese auto brands in their global expansion. These efforts are set to provide a key port impetus for enhancing the circulation of both domestic and international markets and fueling high-quality growth in foreign trade.

 

 

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