COSCO SHIPPING launches Hefei Integrated Warehouse-Yard Project
SHANGHAI : On May 20, COSCO SHIPPING Holdings’ subsidiary Shanghai Pan Asia Shipping, in collaboration with COSCO SHIPPING Logistics and Xinsanli, officially launched the Hefei Integrated Warehouse-Yard Project. This strategic initiative marks a major breakthrough in COSCO SHIPPING’s “Channel + Hub + Network” logistics framework within the Yangtze River Delta, reinforcing the company’s ability to support global supply chains with enhanced efficiency and resilience.
The Hefei project represents an innovative step in building a modern, integrated logistics hub. Backed by COSCO SHIPPING Lines’ global service network, the project integrates warehousing and container yard resources in Hefei to establish a seamless multi-modal transportation system linking terminals, railways, and highways. This model significantly reduces cargo transfer steps, improves space utilization, shortens delivery lead times, and lowers operational costs.
Its flexible service mechanism allows for rapid response to the diverse logistics needs of Hefei’s industrial base, while maintaining direct connectivity to the global shipping network. As such, the project strengthens the logistics infrastructure for Chinese enterprises expanding internationally and injects new momentum into regional economic development and global trade facilitation.
Strategic Response to Market Trends
The project also serves as a strategic response to local market dynamics. Since the launch of Shanghai-Hefei North daily sea-rail intermodal services, freight volumes have continued to grow. However, existing infrastructure constraints and a broader industry trend of container operations shifting to Paihe Port have posed new challenges.
To address this, Shanghai Pan Asia Shipping has adopted a customer-centric approach, focused on cost reduction and service upgrade goals. By leasing facilities just 2.5 km from Paihe Port and Paihe Railway Station, the company pioneered an integrated warehouse-yard operation model.
This model leverages its prime location to enable convenient container pick-up and return, while consolidating services such as container repair and cleaning, loose-to-container conversion, and stuffing operations into one facility. This not only enhances the customer experience but also reduces first-mile trucking costs, improving overall logistics efficiency.
Early Success and Digital Transformation
Since trial operations began on April 18, the project has already delivered positive results. Customers have started using the Hefei forward warehouse to store and consolidate orders from factories in Wuhu, dynamically adjusting inventory and leveraging COSCO SHIPPING’s global logistics network for efficient outbound delivery.
Through a digitized system, the project supports real-time scanning, inventory monitoring, and precise dispatching, overcoming the traditional challenges of manual inventory checks and fragmented data. Coupled with seamless sea-rail connectivity, goods can be dispatched directly from the Hefei warehouse to ports, significantly reducing transport time and cost for customers.
Building a Resilient Supply Chain Ecosystem
The Hefei project establishes a “three-in-one” logistics ecosystem integrating transport corridors, container yards, and warehouses. Looking ahead, COSCO SHIPPING Holdings will continue to deepen synergies across its container shipping, port operations, and related logistics services, accelerating resource integration and supply chain coordination.
By further strengthening its presence in the Yangtze River Delta, the company aims to support China’s “dual circulation” strategy and serve as a cornerstone for stable, efficient, and resilient global trade—especially critical in today’s increasingly volatile international environment.
