The first ever shipping route that travels directly between China and Scotland begins

In the nation’s first direct shipping container service to China, more than a million bottles of whiskey will later depart from Scotland’s west coast. 

The new shipping route has been hailed as a “game changer for Scotland.” 

The Allseas Pioneer landed at Greenock earlier from Ningbo in China with containers of goods for sale in Scotland, including furniture, toys, and clothing.  

Compared to services through Europe or southern UK ports, the direct sailings will shorten the time it takes for freight to transit. 

The route, which was formed in response to escalating strains on the global supply chain, will be serviced by six ships, each of which has a carrying capacity of around 1,600 cargo containers. 

By removing unforeseen port congestion delays in Rotterdam, the new service, which offers three sailings each month in each direction, is anticipated to reduce travel time from around 60 days to an estimated 33 days. 

Source 27 August
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-62700354