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A ro-ro ship loaded with 2,350 GWM vehicles departed from Yancheng Port on November 3 for the port of Durban, South Africa, marking the maiden voyage of the direct maritime shipping route.

The cargo, mainly pick-up trucks and SUVs by GWM, is worth 353 million yuan.GWM and SAIC Motor plan to deliver 300,000 vehicles per year from Yancheng Port to Durban.

The shipping route is about 7,300 nautical miles and takes about 20 days.