Understanding the Core Initiative
The Zhejiang Provincial Government has recently released a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at streamlining the transportation structure to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of logistics operations. This initiative, formally titled the "Implementation Opinions on Promoting High-Quality Development of Multimodal Transport," focuses on reducing logistics costs while improving service quality.
Why This Strategy Matters
At the heart of the plan is a drive to integrate sea, land, air, and digital trade ports—a concept known as the "Four Ports Linkage." The strategy systematically strengthens the "hub + corridor + network" framework to foster high-quality multimodal transport development. By 2030, the goal is to establish a "One Core, Four Hubs, Seven Axes, and Three Corridors" multimodal transport network, aiming for nearly 10 million TEUs in container multimodal transport volume. The proportion of container multimodal transport at coastal ports is expected to rise to 14.5%, and the ratio of total social logistics costs to GDP will drop to around 12.5%.
Long-Term Vision for 2035
Looking further ahead, by 2035, Zhejiang aims to become a national leader in multimodal transport, creating a "Zhejiang Model" for high-quality development. This includes achieving nationwide leadership in sea-rail intermodal transport, advanced capabilities in river-sea and river-sea combined transport, and specialized growth in air-ground and road-rail transport.
Key Focus Areas for Implementation
Developing a Robust Hub System
The plan outlines a multi-tiered system of comprehensive transport hubs. Hangzhou's international hub functions will be strengthened, while Ningbo (Zhoushan) will enhance its global service capabilities. Wenzhou and Jinhua will deepen their national-level hub construction, and Jiaxing will improve its regional service functions. Other cities like Huzhou, Shaoxing, Quzhou, Taizhou, and Lishui will also see their regional transport hubs upgraded.
Specialized Hub Functions by Location
Each hub will have a distinct focus. Hangzhou will boost its Xiaoshan International Airport capacity to become a hub for air-ground intermodal transport. Ningbo (Zhoushan) will accelerate the construction of a ten-million-TEU berth cluster, positioning itself as an international logistics hub for sea-rail and river-sea combined transport. Wenzhou and Taizhou will develop near-ocean shipping centers, while Jinhua (Yiwu) will construct a high-quality China-Europe Railway Express assembly center. Jiaxing will leverage its advantages in the Yangtze River Delta for sea-river and air-ground intermodal transport.
Connecting and Expanding Networks
The plan emphasizes the coordinated development of major ports like Ningbo Zhoushan, the Jinhua (Yiwu) China-Europe Railway Express hub, Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport, and Jiaxing Nanhu Airport. Construction of key freight stations, such as those in Xiaoshan (Bailutang), the East China International Intermodal Freight Hub, and the Quzhou Cross-Provincial Multimodal Transport Hub, will be accelerated. The inland waterway logistics network will be strengthened with projects like the Jiaxing Starlight and Jinhua Fangcun container terminals.
Enhancing Corridor Capacity
Key multimodal corridors, including the Hu-Hu-Yong, Hang-Jin-Qu, Hang-Yong, Yi-Yong-Zhou, and Jin-Li-Wen routes, will be improved. Bottlenecks in sea-rail transport will be addressed through projects like the expansion of the Jinhua Railway Hub. The waterway network will be upgraded, with plans to start construction on the Fuchunjiang Second Lock and advance studies for the Zhejiang-Jiangxi Canal and other major waterway projects.
Improving Last-Mile Connectivity
Special railway lines will be extended to coastal ports, logistics parks, and industrial and mining enterprises to ensure smooth last-mile transport. Existing railway lines will be optimized for shared use, and short waterways will be upgraded to allow 1,000-ton vessels to reach parks and enterprises directly.
Expanding Freight Sources
The plan encourages the establishment of dry ports in inland areas to increase the proportion of sea-rail freight from outside the province. It also promotes integration with the Yangtze River Delta port network and the expansion of air cargo collection networks. Internationally, it seeks to deepen cooperation with regions like Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Central and Eastern Europe, while strengthening the China-Europe Railway Express network.
Innovating Service Models
Efforts will focus on shifting container-appropriate goods and bulk materials from road to rail and water transport. Premium sea-rail routes, such as those from Ningbo Zhoushan to Chongqing, Hefei, and Yiwu, will be developed. Innovative models like "China-Europe Railway Express + Sea-Rail Transport" and "Sea-Rail Transport + Sea Express" will be introduced, along with container sharing and cargo consolidation schemes.
Boosting Service Efficiency
A key initiative is the promotion of a "single document (container) system" for multimodal transport. The pilot program in Ningbo Zhoushan will be expanded to include a single bill of lading and a single container across different transport modes. Reforms to make China-Europe Railway Express documents more tradeable will be explored, and smart port, airport, and waterway technologies will be advanced.
Modernizing Equipment and Digitalization
Investments will be made in smart ports, airports, and waterways. New vessel designs for river-sea and river-sea direct routes will be developed, and the use of clean energy vehicles and vessels will be promoted. A provincial logistics data space will be created to enable data sharing on cargo tracking and customs clearance, while the "Four Ports" smart logistics platform will be upgraded.
Optimizing the Business Environment
Customs clearance will be simplified through measures like "port departure confirmation" and "direct pickup at the shipside." The "Zhejiang e-Port" model will be extended to more logistics nodes. The plan also encourages the development of multimodal transport operators, including comprehensive logistics integrators, and aims to attract international shipping and logistics companies to set up headquarters in the province.
Policy Support and Funding
Legislative research will be conducted to strengthen the legal framework for multimodal transport. Financial support will be provided through provincial policies and national-level programs. The private sector will be encouraged to invest in multimodal transport projects, ensuring a collaborative approach to building a more efficient and cost-effective logistics system.
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