COSCO SHIPPING Car Carriers (CSCC) and Neptune Lines, a leading Mediterranean short-sea RoRo operator, have signed a strategic agreement to establish a new automotive supply chain hub at Piraeus Port, the Mediterranean gateway of COSCO SHIPPING Group.
Strategic Network Expansion
The collaboration will create a logistics corridor covering 21 ports across 12 countries in the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and North Africa, including: Koper (Slovenia), Alexandria (Egypt), Limassol (Cyprus), and key ports in Turkey, Romania, Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Malta, and Black Sea regions.
Integrated Solutions
End-to-End Service: Seamless connection between China-Greece mainline shipping and local feeder routes, offering door-to-door visibility from Chinese factories to end customers.
Smart Logistics Ecosystem: Leverages COSCO’s “Shipping + Port + Logistics” global network for full-chain upgrades from marine transport to global delivery.
Service Launch & Key Advantages (Starting March 2024)
• 30-Day Transit: Fastest direct route from China to Mediterranean ports.
• Enhanced Frequency: Initial monthly sailings, scaling to bi-weekly service by end-2024 with the delivery of 13 newbuild vessels.
• 3-Tier Coverage: Hub-and-spoke model from Piraeus to 5 North African countries, Black Sea ports, and major European markets.
Beyond Shipping: Value-Added Logistics
• Bonded Storage Hubs: Overseas warehouses offer long-term storage, PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) services, and tax advantages to reduce clients’ capital pressure.
• Multimodal Distribution: Efficient cargo dispatch via barge, rail, and truck networks across Europe.
• Proven Success: Replicating CSCC’s Zeebrugge model where 99% of cargo utilizes "shipping + warehousing" solutions, already handling 10,000+ vehicles for Chinese automakers.
This partnership reshapes regional auto logistics amid booming Chinese EV exports. Neptune Lines brings 40+ years of short-sea expertise, while CSCC strengthens the corridor with COSCO’s integrated resources and newbuilding capacity.
by Xinde Marine News Chen Yang
The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Xinde Marine News.
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