Recently, the "Rizhao–Incheon" container liner route has officially received approval from the governments of China and South Korea. This marks the first time in over two decades that Shandong has reopened a direct container shipping link to Incheon, South Korea—responding to the urgent demand for closer regional economic and trade exchanges, while also serving as a key pillar in Shandong's drive to build a world-class port cluster and an international logistics corridor.

In recent years, Shandong Ports have fully leveraged their hub functions, capitalizing on the RCEP framework as a bridgehead toward Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN. They have steadily expanded route networks, deepened collaboration with port authorities and border agencies to improve berthing operations and passenger clearance efficiency, and established the Shandong Port Korea Representative Office to strengthen overseas market presence and facilitate China–Korea trade. The new route will be operated by Shandong Ocean Shipping Group ("Shandong Ocean"), a professional shipping company under Shandong Ports. Shandong Ocean ranks first in China in terms of capacity on China–Korea passenger-cargo ferries, and its Korea-bound services already operate 12 weekly sailings connecting major Korean ports including Pyeongtaek, Busan, Incheon, and Jeju, earning market trust through precise delivery capabilities.

The "Rizhao–Incheon" container liner route is scheduled to commence service in the fourth quarter of this year, with a fixed schedule of two sailings per week. It is designed to meet the high-frequency turnover needs of high-value-added cargo such as cross-border e-commerce, machinery equipment, and automotive products, thereby continuously improving Shandong's logistics efficiency toward South Korea.

"Connecting" China and South Korea for a shared future—Shandong Ocean will work in close synergy with Rizhao Port to build a premium route, contributing to Shandong Ports' efforts in establishing a China–Korea logistics corridor and enhancing the overseas supply chain system.