COSCO Shipping Ports’ Xiamen Ocean Gate Terminal has launched what the company describes as China’s first automated terminal with a dedicated sea-rail intermodal line for direct train-to-ship cargo loading. The new system extends railway operations directly into the terminal. As a result, containers can move between trains and vessels without intermediate yard transfers. This approach aims to reduce handling stages and improve the efficiency of cargo movements across the supply chain. According to COSCO Shipping Ports, the new operation can reduce logistics costs per TEU by more than 15%. Container transfer times have also been shortened to nine minutes. The terminal provides access to 21 international shipping services. It also connects with more than 20 inland rail corridors, strengthening links between China’s interior regions and global maritime trade routes. The project brings together terminal automation, digital technology and integrated sea-rail transport. It marks another step in COSCO Shipping Ports’ efforts to develop faster and more efficient intermodal supply chains. The post COSCO launches automated sea-rail terminal in Xiamen appeared first on Container News .