An international ro-on/ro-off (Ro-Ro) vessel, carrying 2,770 commercial vehicles, departed from Lin-gang Special Area's Nangang Terminal in Shanghai on Dec 31. It was the terminal's final departure of the year and marked the 797th Ro-Ro vessel handled in 2025.

A variety of vehicles are lined up to be loaded onto the Ro-Ro vessel. [Photo/Xinmin Evening News]

According to the Yangshan Maritime Safety Administration, the Nangang Terminal saw 397 foreign trade vessel calls in 2025, a 31.14 percent year-on-year increase, with more than 1 million commercial vehicles handled that same year. Both figures represented record highs, showcasing Lin-gang's crucial role as an export hub for China's auto industry.

To handle the terminal's high volume of nighttime vessel arrivals, short berthing durations, and rapid berth turnover, the border inspection station has been operating around the clock to inspect vessels upon arrival. In addition, the station has relocated its service windows and upgraded its facilities to ensure vessels at berth do not have to wait.

With Chinese automakers expanding overseas shipments and Nangang Terminal's Phase II now fully operational, Ro-Ro vehicle exports from Lin-gang are expected to surge.

Moving forward, the Yangshan Maritime Safety Administration will continue to ensure safe and efficient port operations, supporting Shanghai's development into an international shipping center and facilitating more automotive exports from Lin-gang to global markets.