The opening of direct shipping service across the Taiwan Straits commenced December 15 with the sailing of Evergreen Line's 1,200-TEU Uni-Adroit. A ceremony was held at the port of Kaohsiung, Taiwan's busiest harbor, in accord with the trade agreements between the Taiwan Straits authorities.

The Evergreen service, known as the Taiwan - North China or HBT route, has the rotation of Kaohsiung−Xingang −Dalian−Qingdao−Kaohsiung.

"By saving significant time and costs, direct shipping links will not only help carriers and shippers increase their business competitiveness and improve their performance, they will also fuel cross-strait economic interflows to the benefit of all those living on both sides of the Strait. It is a 'win-win' situation for both economies," said S.S. Lin, Executive Group Vice Chairman.

Initially, Cross-Straits trade will utilize Kaohsiung, one of the world's 10 busiest container ports. It is expected that all of Taiwan's international harbors will eventually be involved in a trade that will include virtually all of China's ports.