Cosco Hellas, a container ship owned by Caravokyra Maritime Corp and operated by Costamare Shipping, departed from the automation terminal of Qingdao Port on May 18, marking the launch of Cosco Shipping's AWE route at the Shandong Port Group.

A COSCO Shipping container ship docks at the Qingdao Port in Shandong province. [Photo/guanhai.com.cn]

Official statistics show that the Shandong Port Group opened 10 new foreign trade routes this year, bringing the total number to 311 and connecting major cities and ports worldwide.

Shandong Port Group, consolidated in August 2019, has integrated many of the province's major ports, including Qingdao Port, Yantai Port, Rizhao Port, and the Bohai Bay Port Group, in order to maximize port resources and eliminate regional competition.

According to Shandong Port Group, the opening of the AWE6 route will bring brand new products and services to customers, as well as improve Qingdao Port's operational automation network. It will also strengthen the shipping network from Shandong to the eastern Mediterranean and the United States, facilitate new logistics channels, and bring more products to customers.

Shandong Port Group will continue to strengthen efforts to build an international shipping hub in Northeast Asia led by Qingdao Port, ensure the stability of industrial and supply chains, and contribute to the development of the dual-circulation development pattern.