How Zhejiang helps build logistics hub in Europe over past decade

At the 2026 Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum, delegates highlighted the decade-long cooperation between Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, the world's busiest port by cargo throughput, and Germany's Wilhelmshaven Port, the country's only deep-water container port.

When the two sides first joined hands in 2016, Wilhelmshaven was struggling to attract cargo despite its modern facilities, while Ningbo-Zhoushan Port was seeking deeper integration into global supply chains. Their complementary strengths and goals laid the foundation for a long-term partnership.

The cooperation gained momentum with the rapid growth in demand for Chinese electric vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products in Europe. In late 2024, the direct China-Europe express shipping route was launched, linking Ningbo and Wilhelmshaven in just 26 days.

To support the growing trade flow, Zhejiang Seaport (Germany) Supply Chain Management established a 32,000-square-meter logistics warehouse in Wilhelmshaven, its first major logistics hub in Europe.

In 2025, the facility obtained both bonded warehouse and hazardous goods storage qualifications, enabling more efficient handling of China's exports of electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar products.

Today, goods arriving in Wilhelmshaven can reach more than 30 countries across Northern and Central-Eastern Europe within days. The port has become one of the fastest-growing deep-water ports in Northwest Europe.

As trade volumes continue to rise, the partnership is evolving from port cooperation into a broader China-Europe logistics and supply chain network, further strengthening economic connectivity between the two regions.