First direct cargo ship reaches mainland

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-18-2008 09:06

The first direct cargo ship from Taiwan reached Shanghai early on Wednesday, bringing fresh produce to mainland residents. And measures are being taken to ease the entry of Taiwan cargo ships to the mainland.

A shorter distance means a shorter time.

A shorter distance means a shorter time.

After a 29-hour voyage to the north, the first cargo ship from Taiwan reached the mainland's financial hub, bringing fruits and flowers from the island.

The new route cuts travel time by more than 30 percent, and no longer has to detour via a Japanese island.

Produce from Taiwan can now arrive on the mainland fresher. And it's not just time that's been saved. The current shortcut by sea is forecast to save the consumption of 300 tons of oil to Shanghai, slashing shipping costs. Experts calculated that a total of 100 million US dollars will be saved each year by the new sea route.