New depot to leverage faster trucking from western PRD

Hacis - the value-added logistics arm of Hactl – will shortly realise a long-term ambition to open a depot in the western Pearl River Delta (PRD), thanks to a new strategic partnership agreement with Chu Kong Shipping Enterprises (Group) Company Limited (CKS), which paves the way for the development of joint logistics activity.

The opening of the new inland cargo depot, in Zhuhai Free Trade Zone, is the first project under the agreement, and will be undertaken with CKS subsidiary Civet (Zhu Hai) Logistics Co., Ltd.

Civet operates its own port facility in Zhuhai Free Trade Zone, right next to an exit from the soon-to-be-opened Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB). This will be the location of the new Hacis depot, which will cover the Macau and Zhuhai conurbations, and will be served by Hacis’ scheduled SuperLink China Direct (SLCD) road feeder services to and from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

Ninth depot

The latest Hacis depot is its ninth in southern mainland China, and will enable it to take full advantage of the opening of the HZMB, which will slash trucking times between the western PRD and HKIA by around two thirds. That will enable airlines with flights through Hong Kong to reach a much larger and more lucrative market catchment area.

The western PRD is home to electronics manufacturers and technology companies, many of which are currently heavy users of ocean freight. Hacis and CKS see the potential to convert much of this traffic to airfreight, once the HZMB facilitates a faster and more cost-effective road connection to HKIA.

“Hacis has a long-term plan to expand its SLCD services to the western PRD, further enhancing HKIA as a regional air cargo hub and transshipment centre,” says Hacis Managing Director Vivien Lau. “This new depot will enable us to fully support airlines wishing to extend their networks to the cities in the western PRD.”

Ideal partner

She adds: “Civet’s advantageous location next to the HZMB, and its considerable experience in running port facilities in Zhuhai, make it an ideal partner to maximise SLCD’s opportunities in the area.”

Roger Cheng, Director & Vice General Manager of Chu Kong Shipping Enterprises (Group) Company Limited adds: “The partnership with Hacis will further promote multi-modal logistics in the western PRD, and assist in the development of the Greater Bay Area, in line with Central Government Policy.”

Looking to the future of the relationship, he confirms: “We are also exploring mutual cooperation in other ports such as Doumen.”