China continues to strengthen its trade relations with Middle Eastern markets by sending a large shipment of vehicles to Oman via Beibu Gulf Port. On Thursday, a special ship named "Changrongku" set sail from Beibu Gulf Port in southern China, carrying 2,727 Chinese cars to the port of Duqm in Oman. This shipment set a new record for the largest vehicle export in a single maritime journey.
Development of Maritime Transport Network
The "Changrongku" ship travels directly from the Chanchu Port located in the Guangxi Autonomous Region in southern China to Duqm, with no stops at intermediate ports along the way. This journey is expected to take about 15 days, thereby creating a new maritime route for transporting Chinese vehicles to the region, which also helps reduce transportation time.
To expedite vehicle transportation, Chanchu Port has implemented a joint transport system that includes railways and specialized car-carrying ships. Vehicles are transported from manufacturing plants in Chongqing Municipality in southwestern China to the port, significantly reducing the time required for transportation.
Expansion of Maritime Routes to the Middle East
The opening of this new line to Duqm is part of the development of the maritime transport network for vehicles from Beibu Gulf Port to the Middle East. In the past, this port has established regular transport lines to Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, a new line to Aqaba Port in Jordan has also been opened.
With the expansion of maritime routes and the improvement of multimodal transport systems, the role of Beibu Gulf Port in connecting Chinese vehicle manufacturers with foreign markets has significantly increased. Automotive companies from Fujian, Anhui, and Zhejiang provinces, as well as northeastern China, have chosen this port for exporting their products. Currently, vehicle transport lines to the Middle East operate at a rate of one trip per month.
This development coincides with a significant increase in the export of Chinese vehicles. According to published data, China's vehicle exports in the first eight months of 2026 reached 7.153 million units, reflecting a 66.7 percent increase compared to the previous year. Of this number, 3.435 million were new energy vehicles, marking a 120 percent increase.
In August, Chinese vehicle exports exceeded one million units for the third consecutive time, reaching 1.01 million units, a 65.3 percent increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, exports of new energy vehicles reached 526,000 units, with a 130 percent increase.
According to data, Beibu Gulf Port has conducted ten voyages since it began providing vehicle transport services via specialized ships, exporting over 11,000 vehicles and industrial machinery by the end of September. This indicates the increasing role of Beibu Gulf Port as an export outlet for Chinese vehicles to the Middle East and other global markets.
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