COSCO Shipping Launches New China–Europe RoRo Service via Suez Canal
Shipping Arabia, November 7, 2026 – COSCO Shipping has launched a new direct roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vehicle shipping service connecting Xiaomo Port in southern China with Astakos Port in Greece via the Red Sea and Suez Canal. The service introduces an additional maritime route for Chinese vehicle exports to European markets.
The inaugural voyage departed China on November 3 aboard the RoRo vessel Yuan He Kou, carrying 4,898 new energy vehicles manufactured in China. The vessel is expected to reach Astakos in approximately 20 days, establishing a direct connection between southern China’s automotive manufacturing sector and European distribution networks.
According to COSCO Shipping, the new route is the first direct international RoRo service connecting Xiaomo Port with Greece. The company stated that the service offers a transit time approximately one-third shorter than conventional shipping services.
The launch also comes amid the return of several Asia–Europe shipping services through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, a major maritime corridor serving trade between the two regions.
New RoRo Service Reduces China–Greece Transit Time
The COSCO Shipping RoRo service introduces a direct maritime connection between Xiaomo and Astakos, with the Greek port serving as the initial European discharge point for vehicles transported from China.
The approximately 20-day voyage covers the maritime leg between the two ports. However, this transit time does not include the subsequent distribution of vehicles to other European destinations.
Following discharge at Astakos, the vehicles will be transported through feeder services to several European ports. Planned destinations include Zeebrugge in Belgium, Koper in Slovenia, and Valencia in Spain.
This arrangement extends the service’s geographical reach beyond Greece, connecting the initial long-haul voyage with regional maritime distribution networks serving Mediterranean and Northern European markets.
The operating model combines consolidated vehicle shipments from China with onward feeder transportation to multiple destinations. It provides vehicle manufacturers and importers with another option for organizing shipments to Europe through a common arrival and distribution hub.
Astakos Expands COSCO Shipping’s Greek Automotive Logistics Network
The new route forms part of COSCO Shipping’s broader efforts to develop automotive logistics services through Greek ports.
In April 2025, the Piraeus Port Authority announced the arrival of the vehicle carrier COSCO Sheng Shi, marking the introduction of a regular monthly vehicle shipping service through Piraeus Port.
That development established an additional connection between COSCO Shipping’s international vehicle transportation operations and Greece’s role as a regional automotive distribution hub.
The latest service builds on this network by introducing Astakos as another Greek gateway for Chinese vehicle imports and subsequent distribution across European markets.
Under the new arrangement, Astakos will function as the primary discharge port for the long-haul shipment from Xiaomo. Feeder connections will then complete the next stage of the vehicles’ maritime transportation.
The structure allows COSCO Shipping to combine its ocean transportation capabilities with regional distribution services, supporting vehicle movements between Chinese export terminals and European destinations.
Xiaomo Port Strengthens Vehicle Export Connections
Xiaomo Port, part of Shenzhen’s port network, serves as an important vehicle export gateway for southern China.
The new RoRo connection provides automotive manufacturers in the region with an additional route to European markets. COSCO Shipping is supporting the service through its wider shipping, port, and logistics resources.
According to the company, its automotive logistics approach integrates Chinese export gateways, long-distance maritime transportation, overseas distribution centers, and regional feeder networks.
This structure aims to coordinate the different stages of vehicle transportation, from delivery to the Chinese loading terminal through ocean shipment and onward distribution to the destination market.
Preparations for the inaugural voyage included berth allocation, vehicle staging, delivery scheduling, and coordination of cargo inspections and loading operations.
Vehicles began arriving for shipment on November 2, with securing activities taking place alongside the loading process ahead of the vessel’s November 3 departure.
The launch adds another connection to COSCO Shipping’s international automotive transportation network, linking southern China’s vehicle export operations with European distribution services through Greece.
By routing the service through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, the company has also introduced another vehicle shipping connection along the Asia–Europe maritime corridor.
Source: Al Mal News