First river-sea intermodal cargo via Pinglu Canal arrives at Baise Port

(ECNS) -- The first batch of river-sea intermodal cargo transported via the Pinglu Canal safely arrived at Baise Port in southwest China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Monday, according to local maritime authorities.

Carrying imported Australian bauxite, the vessels navigated the Beibu Gulf, transited through the inland waterway of the Pinglu Canal, and were transferred at Nanning Port before docking at Baise.

A cargo vessel carrying the first batch of goods arrives at Baise Port in southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Sept. 21, 2026. (Photo: China News Service/Zhong Ye)

The new direct route shortens the waterway distance by about 560 kilometers to roughly 650 km compared with the traditional Pearl River Delta passage. Transit times have been cut from 12–15 days to just 5–7 days, reducing logistics costs by 18 to 30%.

Maritime authorities deployed intelligent monitoring platforms and on-site patrols to ensure safety during the maiden voyage. With ongoing infrastructure upgrades, Baise is emerging as a crucial hub along the new international land-sea trade corridor. 

(By Helen Mo & intern Lin Qiaochu)