On August 21, the inaugural voyage of COSCO Shipping’s direct Batam–Yangpu service was successfully launched, reducing the transit time from 7 days to just 3 days and eliminating the need for transshipment via Singapore. With upgrades to bridge cranes and gantry cranes at Batam Port, which now boasts an annual handling capacity of 800,000 TEUs, the port is fully equipped to manage heavy lifts, bulk cargo, and containers in all directions. At the Yangpu end, the service connects to mainline routes to the Americas, creating a efficient two-way express channel linking Indonesia not only to China but also to global markets.

For Indonesia, this direct route significantly enhances logistics efficiency, accelerates inventory turnover, allows earlier retrieval of export funds, and strengthens the overall competitiveness of its manufacturing sector. For China, the returning cargo flow through Yangpu Port reinforces its role as a transshipment hub and accelerates the policy benefits associated with the Hainan Free Trade Port.

With weekly fixed sailings and stable capacity, the service enables businesses on both ends to secure pricing, lock in space, and guarantee schedules—greatly enhancing supply chain resilience and elevating China-Indonesia economic and trade cooperation to a new level.