The Growth of China’s Silk Road Maritime Transport Project

China had opened 128 shipping routes under its Silk Road Maritime Transport Project by the end of July 2025. This major initiative supports the country’s wider Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing international maritime connectivity.

According to Xiamen Customs and China Central Television (CCTV), 20,293 container ships have passed through these routes to date, with a total cargo throughput of 23.92 million TEUs. This showcases the project’s crucial role in facilitating world trade.

The Silk Road Maritime Transport initiative serves as an international shipping service platform, connecting China with trade partners across Europe, Africa, and Asia. At the core of this effort is the Port of Xiamen, located in eastern China’s Fujian Province, which acts as the departure point for 61 of the active routes.

This development not only highlights China’s increasing influence on global logistics but also underscores the significance of maritime infrastructure in driving economic cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative.