Troubled Sino-Russian-Korea intermodal sea-land route to re-open

THE suspended intermodal sea-land route linking northeastern China's Huichun, Russia's Zarubino and South Korea's Sokcho provinces will reopen in January after a two-years break caused by financial troubles afflicting the old Korean partner, Xinhua reports.

Huichun Shipping Bureau Deputy Director Chu Tiecheng said the three countries are have now made final preparations to resume operations on the route according to an agreed schedule, offering two sailings a week, one calling at Vladivostok.

The route, covering a distance of 588 kilometres, was officially launched in April 2000, creating Jilin province's first access route to the Sea of Japan.

During the 10 years of operation, the route offered 1,300 sailings, and was called the "golden route" between China and Korea. After the talks, it was finally agreed that the route was handed over to a new Korean operator.

Starting from October this year, the three countries have been preparing for the re-launch of the route. The ships deployed were sent to shipyard in Busan for repairs and completed sea trials in November.