Shenzhen, China – September 16, 2025 – COSCO Shipping Holdings, through its subsidiaries, has announced plans to establish a high-end logistics hub in Yantian, Shenzhen, in partnership with Shenzhen Port Logistics Group and other stakeholders. The move is set to bolster the Pearl River Delta’s role as a global maritime and logistics gateway while enhancing integrated supply chain solutions for regional and international trade.
The new entity, Shenzhen COSCO Shipping Smart Supply Chain Co., Ltd., will be a joint venture with a registered capital of CNY 1 billion (approx. US$140 million). The shareholding structure will comprise:
- COSCO Container (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. – 37%
- COSCO Shipping Logistics (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd. – 30%
- Shenzhen Port Logistics Group – 23%
- CCCC Fourth Harbour Engineering Co., Ltd. – 10%
Scope and Facilities
The logistics hub will serve as a cargo collection and distribution center around Yantian Port, one of China’s busiest container gateways. Planned facilities include:
- High-specification warehouses to support efficient storage and retrieval of goods
- Cold chain infrastructure catering to temperature-sensitive commodities
- Customs supervision facilities to streamline clearance and regulatory compliance
- Distribution centers to enhance last-mile delivery and regional cargo flows
The multifunctional logistics park will integrate warehousing, bonded logistics, and supply chain management services, with a strong focus on digital platforms and smart logistics technologies to improve efficiency and transparency across operations.
Strategic Significance
The project aligns with COSCO Shipping’s strategy of expanding its footprint in the Greater Bay Area while advancing the digitalization of supply chains. By strengthening its logistics ecosystem in Shenzhen, COSCO aims to reduce handling times, cut logistics costs, and enhance the competitiveness of Yantian Port against regional peers such as Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Nansha.
The development comes after COSCO Shipping became the second-largest shareholder of Yantian Port Group in 2024, investing nearly CNY 1 billion for a 4.39% equity stake. This underscores COSCO’s long-term commitment to Yantian as a critical node in global trade networks.
Regional and Global Impact
Industry observers note that the Yantian logistics hub will play a pivotal role in supporting China’s export-oriented manufacturing base and the growing demand for imported consumer goods, particularly those requiring cold chain storage such as pharmaceuticals and fresh produce.
The Pearl River Delta is already one of the world’s most active trade corridors, and the addition of high-end, digitally enabled logistics facilities is expected to further enhance its role as a strategic maritime hub.
Outlook
Construction and operational timelines for the logistics hub have yet to be disclosed, but the project is expected to proceed in phases, with warehousing and cold chain facilities prioritized in the initial rollout.
Analysts believe the initiative will not only strengthen COSCO Shipping’s service offering but also help integrate Shenzhen deeper into global supply chains, supporting Beijing’s broader ambition to transform the Greater Bay Area into a world-class logistics and innovation hub.
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