The merchant ship Apollo Linux, carrying about 4,400 metric tons of rolled steel, sails from the port of Zhangjiagang in East China's Jiangsu province on Feb 19. [Photo/zjgonline.com.cn]

With a blast of its steam whistle, the merchant ship Apollo Linux, carrying about 4,400 metric tons of rolled steel, set sail from the port of Zhangjiagang in East China's Jiangsu province on Feb 19.

In five to seven days, the ship will arrive at Haiphong in Vietnam, completing its third successful trip since the route was opened in late 2016.

Created by Zhangjiagang Port Group, the new route allows a fleet of 50,000 deadweight ton bulk cargo ships to shuttle between the East China coast and cities across Southeast Asia, including Haiphong, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, with each trip lasting just 10 to 15 days.

The route mainly supports the export of rolled steel and equipment from large-scale metallurgical enterprises in Zhangjiagang and the Yangtze River Delta region.

The route has also been popular with Zhangjiagang Port Group's customers, since the direct transport between ports has helped them make significant cost savings both in time and money.

With the success of the new line, the company plans to open up more shipping routes in line with the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative, China's strategy of improving infrastructure and engagement with coastal regions across Asia, Europe and Africa.

Zhangjiagang Port Group plans to continue focusing on improving connections with Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.