The maiden voyage of the new US West Coast route carries over 1,300 TEUs of cargo from Xiamen Port. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

The maiden call of the MV Rhone Maersk at Xiamen's Songyu Container Terminal on June 23 marked the official launch of a new direct shipping route between Xiamen Port and the United States West Coast.

The new US West Coast route, jointly launched by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd (Service Code: TP9/WC6), will deploy six vessels with capacities between 50,000-70,000 DWT to establish a weekly direct service to the Port of Long Beach. The TP9 route is expected to achieve a transit time of approximately 18 days — nearly one week faster than conventional alternatives.

The launch of this route not only enhances Xiamen Port's global shipping network but also provides more efficient and convenient logistics services for businesses in surrounding regions like Fuzhou, Putian, Fujian province and Shantou, Guangdong province, using Xiamen as a transshipment hub.

Furthermore, it strengthens Xiamen Port's position as an international gateway by advancing empty container repositioning and foreign trade transshipment operations.

To date, Xiamen Port has established a total of 16 shipping routes connecting to a number of major North American cities. In the near future, the port will welcome two new services: MSC's West Coast import route and a UAE-Evergreen joint India service, promoting regional economic and trade cooperation.