FESCO Transport Group launches direct Russia-Xiamen Service

FESCO, Russia`s major carrier, has launched a direct service between the Russian Far East and Xiamen in Fujian province with the active involvement of local port authorities, Xiamen Customs and XiangYu Terminal & Shipping Agency.

The 3,000-TEU FESCO Diomid set sail August 10 on her maiden voyage from Xiamen XiangYu Terminal.


The new direct service deploys two vessels, the 42,274-ton 220 metre-long FESCO Diomed and the 23,200-ton, 185 metre-long Kaptaini Maslov to provide weekly service at berths at the Xiamen XiangYu Terminal on Saturdays.


The port rotation is Hong Kong, Xiamen, Shanghai, Vostochny and Vladivostok, with five days to Vostochny and seven days to Vladivostok respectively.


Before the launch of this direct service, shipment from Fujian to Russia Far East had to be transshipped via Hong Kong or Busan. The new service shortens transit time by about a week, saving as much as US$100 per TEU in shipping costs, said the company.


With transits cut 10 per cent, cost savings will benefit Xiamen exports. Today, most commodities between Fujian and Russia trade are stone, granite, footwear, garments, canned foods and light industrial products.


FESCO said the new service will improve the efficiency and reduce logistics cost, which stands to attract more cargo from the surrounding areas to export from Xiamen and this will stimulate trade between China and Russia. FESCO also said the service was an important step for Xiamen to become the national transshipment and international port.