On October 8th, the Guangxi Beibu Gulf International Port Group announced a significant milestone: a China-Europe freight train has successfully docked at the Liujing operational area of Nanning Port. This marks the first time a China-Europe train has arrived at an inland port in Guangxi, establishing a crucial link between the China-Europe railway and the New Western Land-Sea Corridor.

The train, which started its journey in Minsk, Belarus, covered an impressive distance of 11,341 kilometers over the course of about 20 days. Its route took it through Belarus, Russia, and Kazakhstan before entering China at Alashankou. From there, it made its way through the Putian Station in Zhengzhou, finally arriving at the Liujing Railway Freight Station in Nanning. Onboard, the train carried a shipment of imported potassium fertilizer that will be stored in the Liujing operational area and later distributed to agricultural producers across various regions of China.

Belarus is a significant player in the global potassium fertilizer market, exporting between 10 to 12 million tons annually. This recent shipment not only introduces a new logistics channel for potassium fertilizer in China but also sets the stage for the Liujing operational area to evolve into a regional distribution center and marketing hub for fertilizers in Southwest China.

Zhang Chi, manager of the production business center at Nanning Port, highlighted the proactive steps taken by the company this year. “We’ve strengthened our communication and coordination with various enterprises to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the China-Europe freight trains,” Zhang explained. By anticipating cargo types, specifications, and loading requirements, the team has been able to quickly adjust loading and securing plans. This optimization in freight organization significantly reduces operational time and enables a range of services, including cargo handling, warehousing, and packaging, ensuring that goods are delivered both safely and swiftly.

The Liujing Port area is strategically positioned as a vital transportation hub that connects the Guangxi Beibu Gulf Economic Zone with the Pan-Pearl River Delta Economic Zone. It serves as a critical transit base and logistics platform for the development of industries along the river. Currently, the port features a total coastline length of 1,078 meters and covers an area of 893 acres, equipped with 10 berths that can accommodate 3,000-ton vessels, aiming for an annual throughput of 3.63 million tons. With the future operationalization of the Pinglu Canal, the Liujing area is poised to enhance its role as a key transshipment point for both river-sea shipping and inland vessels, further solidifying its strategic importance.