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COSCO SHIPPING Special Transport has launched its East China Branch in Shanghai, targeting stronger logistics capabilities across the Yangtze River Delta. The move centers on improving operational flexibility, stability, and coordination for both conventional cargo and complex project shipments.
Recent operations have underlined the branch’s project cargo handling capacity. The general cargo ship MU DAN SONG recently transported construction vehicles, supported by specially designed loading frames to enhance safety during transit. Energy storage cabinets are being staged at Shanghai terminals for secure export, while wind turbine blades have been unloaded using dual-crane operations to ensure precise and safe handling.
The branch also serves as a hub for sales, shipping operation management, and supply chain projects in East China, reinforcing links with sectors such as construction, renewable energy, and industrial manufacturing. Its scope covers both standard freight and high-complexity cargo, providing coordination across multiple transport modes.
COSCO’s wider strategy in the region includes expanding multimodal sea-rail connections. By April 2025, daily scheduled intermodal trains were operating across 22 lines in partnership with regional rail operators, offering more resilient supply chain options for heavy and project cargo throughout Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui.
In May, the company launched an integrated logistics hub in Hefei, combining warehousing with direct rail corridor connections to the maritime network. This model is designed to streamline industrial cargo distribution and enhance end-to-end connectivity.
Fleet capacity is also on the rise. COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers is adding over 80 vessels to its fleet within two years, including heavy lift ships, car carriers, and pulp carriers. The company expects to surpass a 10 million dwt capacity by 2026, positioning it to handle growing cargo volumes in East China and beyond.
At the same time, COSCO is prioritizing digital and sustainable supply chain solutions. This includes digital control towers, IoT-enabled containers, and environmental initiatives aimed at reducing emissions while increasing shipment transparency across its global network.
