Cathay Cargo Strengthens Greater Bay Area Logistics Network

Greater Bay Area Freight Network Connects Air, Road and Sea

Cathay Cargo has expanded its multimodal freight network across the Greater Bay Area (GBA), introducing new air, road and sea transport options to improve the movement of temperature-sensitive agricultural products through Hong Kong.

The development includes the launch of a refrigerated barge service linking Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to Cathay Cargo Terminal Dongguan, as well as the extension of the Air-Land Fresh Lane to Macau via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB). Combined with the existing air freight service to Guangzhou, customers now have three transport options designed to suit different shipping requirements.

James Evans, General Manager of Cargo Trade at Cathay, said the Greater Bay Area continues to be an important market for fresh produce, and the expanded network has been developed to improve connectivity, service quality and cold chain reliability while supporting Hong Kong’s position as an international logistics hub.

Refrigerated Barge Service Begins Operations

The new refrigerated barge service offers an integrated air-sea solution for transporting fresh produce into the Greater Bay Area via Hong Kong. Following trial operations earlier this year, the service is now fully operational.

Cargo is loaded onto pallets without being unpacked, reducing handling and helping maintain product quality. The barge travels directly to Cathay Cargo Terminal in Dongguan, Humen, where consignments are collected from a dedicated cold storage facility.

Compared with scheduled flights, the barge service provides greater flexibility and offers an option for shipments where delivery speed is less critical.

Air-Land Fresh Lane Extended to Macau

Cathay Cargo has also expanded its Air-Land Fresh Lane to Macau through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.

Fresh produce can reach its destination in Macau within four hours of arriving at Hong Kong International Airport, including customs clearance and quarantine procedures. The service also benefits from pre-clearance arrangements and certified cargo seals, reducing border inspection delays.

A dedicated fleet of refrigerated trucks and a 24-hour transit facility help maintain temperature control throughout the journey.

Three Transport Options for Customers

Cathay Cargo’s multimodal network now offers three integrated transport services under a single air waybill, supported by IATA CEIV Fresh-certified handling.

• Air-Air: Cargo transported on passenger aircraft between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, suitable for urgent shipments.
• Air-Land: Refrigerated truck service via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge to Zhuhai and Macau, including direct customer deliveries.
• Air-Sea: Refrigerated barge service to Dongguan, providing a flexible option for shipments with longer delivery windows.

Eligible shipments using the Air-Land Fresh Lane may also qualify for preferential freight rates under the Hong Kong Airport Authority’s Cross-Border Road Transport Subsidy Scheme, which remains available until 31 December 2026.

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