On December 12, 2025, the "Container Maritime On-Time and Cost-Effective" route from Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in China to Ho Chi Minh City Port in Vietnam officially commenced operations.
Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, the world's largest port, handles over 1.4 billion tons of cargo annually and accommodates more than 800,000 vessel arrivals and departures each year. Due to natural constraints such as narrow waterways, the port’s navigation channels are heavily congested and traffic complex.
In 2019, Zhejiang Ningbo Maritime Safety Administration became the first in China to implement an integrated vessel traffic management system for the core area of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, coordinating resources including channels, anchorages, and pilotage services. It introduced a "Vessel Schedule," publishing plans one day in advance. After implementation, on-time departure and arrival rates in the main channel reached 98%, and port entry/exit efficiency improved by 35%. To meet the high demand for punctuality in container liner shipping, Ningbo Maritime Safety Administration further refined this mechanism, launching the "Container Maritime On-Time and Cost-Effective Initiative" aimed at enhancing liner schedule adherence and reducing overall transportation costs.