AsianFin -- A new direct shipping route connecting Shanghai with Australia and New Zealand via roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel has officially commenced operations.

The Viking Emerald departed from Shanghai’s Nangang Port yesterday, carrying 2,330 units of cargo, including new energy vehicles (NEVs) from Chinese automakers such as Chery Automobile, Great Wall Motor, and SAIC Motor’s MG and IM Motors, along with construction vehicles and auto parts.

With a total capacity of 4,300 vehicles, the Ro-Ro ship will call at ports including Melbourne, Kembla, and Brisbane. The new direct service reduces transit time to under 14 days, providing a faster link between China and the Oceania market.

The route reflects growing trade demand for Chinese NEVs in Australia, where the federal government has set a target for electric vehicles to make up 30% of new car sales by 2030. Market growth is further supported by the country’s clean transport fund, which offers tax incentives and direct subsidies to encourage EV adoption.