Jeju Receives First Chinese Containership in Over Half a Century
Jeju Port in South Korea has welcomed its first containership from China in 57 years, Maritime Executive reports. The new weekly China–Jeju route is set to boost trade, reduce shipping costs, and provide faster delivery for exporters and importers on the island.
The 712-TEU SMC Rizhao, built in 2023, arrived on October 18 carrying 40 containers of imports, including electronics and furniture, and loaded 10 containers of processed seafood for export. Equipped with 109 reefer plugs, the vessel supports frozen fish shipments and other perishable goods.
The service shortens delivery times by two days compared with transshipment via Inchon and cuts transport costs by up to 62%. Jeju authorities also plan to expand exports of bottled water, cosmetics, and attract manufacturing companies to the island.
The SMC Rizhao will operate weekly, departing China on Mondays, arriving in Jeju on Wednesdays, and returning to Qingdao on Saturdays, providing a reliable and consistent trade link between the two ports.
