China Launches First ASEAN "On-Time, Cost-Reduction" Service on Ningbo–Ho Chi Minh Route
China Launches First ASEAN "On-Time, Cost-Reduction" Service on Ningbo–Ho Chi Minh Route
China is taking a new step to increase operational efficiency in maritime trade with Southeast Asia. According to an announcement made by the Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) on 12 December, the country's first ASEAN container service has been launched under the national "on-time, cost-reduction" shipping programme. The new service establishes a direct connection between the Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan and Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to strengthen schedule discipline and cost control in the East China – Southeast Asia corridor.
The core objective of the new service is to reduce chronic problems in maritime transport such as delays, port waiting times, and schedule deviations. In this regard, the service implements more precise vessel scheduling, tightened port-call coordination, and expanded cooperation between port operators and carriers. According to the MSA announcement, this approach enables the provision of more punctual, reliable, and cost-effective maritime services to shippers.
Long-Term Reform Process in Ningbo-Zhoushan
Ningbo-Zhoushan is known as one of China's most challenging port areas due to narrow waterways, dense traffic, and complex maneuvering conditions. However, the port has been implementing comprehensive traffic-management reforms since 2019. These reforms form the operational foundation for the new ASEAN service.
The implemented measures notably include:
An integrated vessel traffic system established for the core port zone,
A unified ship timetable released one day in advance that governs port operations
These practices have enabled the main channel to achieve an on-time rate of approximately 98%. At the same time, vessel entry and exit efficiency from the port has improved by approximately 35%. Authorities note that these gains have made schedule control possible for the Ningbo–Ho Chi Minh City service.
The National Programme's ASEAN Component
The Ningbo–Ho Chi Minh City service is positioned not merely as a bilateral route, but as part of a broader logistics reform programme originating from Zhejiang. The on-time, cost-reduction programme has expanded nationwide as of December 2025 to include:
12 major coastal ports,
22 shipping companies
According to Zhejiang maritime authorities, the programme has achieved to date specifically at Ningbo-Zhoushan:
A reduction of more than 25,000 hours of cumulative waiting time,
Provided carriers with operational cost savings of 867 million yuan (approximately 120 million USD).
These savings stem from reductions in fuel consumption, vessel operating costs, and charter-hire expenses.
Fuel and Emissions Impact
The environmental impacts of the programme are also noteworthy. Pilot data released by Zhejiang MSA covering the period December 2023 to end of 2024 demonstrates the results of 22 different routes implemented across seven Chinese ports. During this period:
454 vessel calls were executed,
Approximately 19,000 tons of fuel savings were achieved,
Approximately 60,000 tons of emissions reduction was realized.
This data demonstrates that the programme is not only cost-reducing but also presents a model that contributes to decarbonisation objectives.
Significance for ASEAN Trade
Ho Chi Minh City is one of Vietnam's most important manufacturing and export centers. The new service established between Ningbo-Zhoushan and Ho Chi Minh City provides China–Vietnam trade with:
More predictable transit times,
Lower logistics costs,
Higher reliability in supply chain planning
Particularly in a period when China+1, nearshoring, and regional supply chain diversification trends are strengthening, routes offering schedule guarantees carry strategic value for shippers.
Overall Assessment
China's launch of its first ASEAN "on-time, cost-reduction" service via the Ningbo–Ho Chi Minh City route demonstrates the implementation of a new model in maritime shipping based on operational discipline and public–private coordination. Integration among port management, carriers, and maritime authorities reduces delays while bringing down costs and emissions. The expansion of this approach to additional routes throughout ASEAN could reshape the structure of East Asia–Southeast Asia maritime trade over the medium term.
Key Points:
China has launched its first ASEAN "on-time, cost-reduction" container service.
Service route: Ningbo-Zhoushan – Ho Chi Minh City.
Ningbo-Zhoushan achieves an on-time transit rate of 98%.
Port entry–exit efficiency increased by 35%.
The programme has expanded to cover 12 ports and 22 carriers.
Pilot applications have delivered 120 million USD in cost savings and 60,000 tons of emissions reduction.
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News Link: https://en.portnews.ru/news/385750/
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Author: SedatOnat.com
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