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Source: Guangzhou Daily | February 10, 2025
On February 8, the “ROME EXPRESS” vessel successfully docked at the Phase II terminal of Nansha Port, marking the maiden voyage of the US4 route—a direct shipping line from Nansha to the US East Coast. Operated by the “Twin Stars Alliance,” a collaboration between global shipping giants Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, this new route establishes a vital “golden waterway” connecting core port clusters in China and the United States, injecting fresh momentum into Greater Bay Area (GBA) enterprises seeking to expand into international markets.
A Key Addition to the “Twin Stars Alliance” Network
The Twin Stars Alliance, formed by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, aims to provide customers with more reliable logistics solutions through an efficient and flexible maritime service network. The US4 route is a critical component of this network and represents a strategic milestone for the alliance. Its launch signals a commitment to expanding service coverage and enhancing global shipping efficiency.
The US4 Route: A High-Efficiency Corridor
The US4 route is powered by 15 state-of-the-art container ships, each with a capacity of 14,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), creating a direct and fast shipping line between Nansha and the US East Coast.
Designed to meet the export needs of the Pearl River Delta’s manufacturing sector, the route optimizes port calls and schedules to form a high-efficiency transportation corridor. The port rotation for the route includes:
China: Nansha, Yantian
Vietnam: Vung Tau
Malaysia: Tanjung Pelepas
Sri Lanka: Colombo
United States: New York, Norfolk, Baltimore, Charleston, Savannah
This streamlined schedule significantly shortens international shipping times, particularly for time-sensitive goods such as electronics and smart equipment. The route’s stability reduces cross-border logistics cycles and alleviates pressure on overseas warehouses, providing robust support for coordinated global supply chains.
Boosting GBA Enterprises and Global Trade
The launch of the US4 route is a game-changer for businesses in the Greater Bay Area. By offering direct access to major US East Coast ports, it enhances the region’s connectivity to global markets and strengthens its position as a key player in international trade.
For GBA enterprises, the route provides a faster and more reliable option for exporting goods, helping them meet the growing demand for high-quality, time-sensitive products in overseas markets. Additionally, the reduced transit times and optimized shipping schedules lower logistics costs, enabling businesses to remain competitive on a global scale.
Strategic Implications for Nansha Port
The successful launch of the US4 route underscores Nansha Port’s growing importance as a global shipping hub. Over the years, Nansha has consistently expanded its international shipping network, leveraging its strategic location in the Greater Bay Area to connect China with key markets worldwide.
This new route further solidifies Nansha’s role as a critical gateway for trade between China and the United States, providing a reliable and efficient logistics solution for industries across the Pearl River Delta and beyond.
As the Twin Stars Alliance continues to expand its service offerings, the US4 route is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing global shipping efficiency and fostering deeper economic ties between China and the US.
In the words of a Nansha Port representative, “The US4 route is not just a shipping line—it’s a bridge that connects two of the world’s most important economic regions, paving the way for greater collaboration and mutual growth.”
