BEIJING, Dec. 9 -- Guangzhou Container Terminal Co. has opened two new shipping lines to connect Guangzhou's Huangpu Xinsha port with Shenzhen's Chiwan and Shekou container terminals, a Shekou Containers Terminal (SCT) spokesman said yesterday.

    The two additions to the South China Common Feeder system are expected to compete with several terminals in Hong Kong. The lines are part of the shipping network connecting South China cities, targeting the import and export business of the Huangpu Xinsha terminal.

    Goods from Guangzhou and Dongguan can be exported via Shenzhen, cheaper and faster than routes via Hong Kong. Cargo to Guangzhou's Huangpu Xinsha port can also be imported via Shenzhen's ports.

    ¡°The new shipping lines are of great significance for South China logistics. They can provide more economical and convenient service to import and export-oriented firms in Guangzhou and Dongguan,¡± the SCT spokesman said.

    With an LAN (Local Area Network) connecting Guangzhou and Shenzhen ports, transit containers don't pass through customs, and procedures for import and export goods have been much simplified.

    Compared with shipping routes via Hong Kong, the transport cost for each standard container can be cut by US$100, and transit time can be shortened by at least two days, the spokesman said.

    (Source: Shenzhen Daily)