On February 5 local time, the inaugural voyage of COSCO SHIPPING Line’s WSA5 service to Colombia’s 

Port of Buenaventura was celebrated with a series of festivities held at the SPRB terminal in Buenaventura.

At the ceremony, COSCO SHIPPING’s vessel M.V. Xin Hong Kong delivered 707 TEU of goods from China, including automobiles, photovoltaics, major appliances, and small commodities, along with best wishes for the Chinese Spring Festival. These products are set to invigorate economic and trade cooperation between China and Colombia, as well as with Latin America.

Counselor Gao Jinbao from the Economic and Commercial Counselor’s Office of the Chinese Embassy in Colombia and Ms. Ligia del Carmen Córdoba Martinez, the Mayor of Buenaventura, were among the dignitaries invited to attend. Nearly 200 representatives from local government departments, industry associations, and businesses from both countries were present at the event. COSCO SHIPPING (South America) participated via video speeches.

The launch of the WSA5 route signifies a new phase of more efficient and convenient trade between China and Colombia. The route from Colombia to Shanghai and Qingdao offers the fastest delivery time in the market, further promoting bilateral trade prosperity and development. Additionally, COSCO SHIPPING is actively advancing its digital supply chain strategy, providing customers with intelligent and digital logistics solutions. These more accurate and efficient services will help sustain the growth of China-Colombia trade relations.

Córdoba expressed gratitude to COSCO SHIPPING for launching the WSA5 route, highlighting the promising prospects it holds for trade between China and Colombia. The initiation of this route is poised to strengthen collaboration among relevant ports, expand the trade volume between Colombia and China, and foster local employment as well as economic growth. During the event, COSCO SHIPPING Lines and SPRB entered into a terminal service agreement, exchanged gifts, and posed for a group photograph together.

WSA5

The WSA5 route boasts features of efficient connectivity and extensive coverage. Upon its launch, it will link major domestic ports with numerous key ports along Western South America’s coast, ensuring efficient logistics connectivity. The route covers several significant ports on the west coast of South America, including those in Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru’s Chancay Port, thereby catering to a diverse range of transportation needs.