A direct container ship departs from WEDZ to Japan. [Photo/WeChat account: whkfq]
A container ship carrying 304 containers of automotive components set sail from the Hannan Port in the Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone (WEDZ) on July 19, bound for Nagoya Port in Japan.
The route operates on a river-sea direct shipping model, allowing shipments to reach ports in Busan, South Korea, Moji, Osaka, and Nagoya in Japan directly from the zone, reducing transport time by 3 to 5 days compared to traditional transit methods and cutting individual container logistics costs by approximately 1,000 yuan ($139).
WEDZ boasts the distinction of being the sole foreign trade container port in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River in Wuhan. With a 330-meter deep-water shoreline, the port has an annual container handling capacity of 300,000 containers and a general cargo throughput capacity of 2 million metric tons.
Equipped with state-of-the-art inspection facilities, inspection and quarantine centers, and a complete customs supervision zone, the port offers comprehensive services, including a streamlined "local customs declaration, same-day inspection, same-day clearance" one-stop clearance service.
In January, the port received approval to accommodate international vessels for berthing and operations. WEDZ introduced supportive measures to facilitate the temporary opening of the port area. In March, a direct container shipping route was established, connecting with Taicang Port.
Wuhan Customs offers tailored regulatory solutions and facilitative supervision measures such as "pre-declaration" and "direct loading upon arrival" to ensure smooth logistics operations. Special counters were established, providing 24-hour online inquiries, appointments, and customs clearance services to expedite clearance procedures.
