More Fast Container Vessels to China Planned for Chile Cherry Season

Following last year’s success, Shipping Company, Hapag Lloyd will be further boost their fast ‘Cherry Express’ service for the upcoming season for sea shipments from Chile to China. Shipping from Chile to Hong Kong using this service takes 22-23 days instead of over 30 days previously. In the 2020-21 season it will run 3 sailings per week with 29 sailings are scheduled. Of these vessels, 5 will arrive in Shanghai, 24 will arrive in Hong Kong with 7 of the 24 sailings to HK will later visit Nansha Port in Guangzhou. Last season first Chilean sea freight arrivals in China were 5 December.

Hong Kong Port has some advantages in quick clearance of fruit for fruit destined for the Mainland. It operates until 10pm and also on weekends. High value and short shelf life fruit such as cherries, durian and mangosteen can choose Hong Kong to save clearance time. The disadvantage of Hong Kong is higher clearance costs and higher trucking costs to the Mainland as trucks should be dual registered in Hong Kong and mainland China. Source: Fresh Talk