The ro-ro vessel COSCO Star docks at shore. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

The ro-ro vessel COSCO Star docked at Damaiyu Port in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province, on June 27, with the crew promptly handling cargo operations.

That evening, the vessel sailed fully loaded for Taiwan province in its first full-capacity trip of the year.

The COSCO Star brought Taiwan specialty goods such as food and returned carrying kitchenware, auto parts, Yiwu commodities, and small home appliances from the Yangtze River Delta region, with cargo valued at over 20 million yuan ($2.79 million), said Su Liangping, deputy general manager of the Yuhuan branch of Xiamen Mintai Ferry.

The direct freight route from Damaiyu Port to Keelung Port resumed regular operations on Jan 28 this year. Local authorities worked in coordination to ensure its smooth operations.

Meanwhile, Xiamen Mintai Ferry's Yuhuan branch has actively re-engaged former clients, helping boost freight volumes even during the off-season.

Since the route's launch in June 2010, Damaiyu has become the second port on the Chinese mainland to open regular direct sea routes to Taiwan.

The COSCO Star currently sails every Friday between Damaiyu Port in Taizhou and Keelung Port in Taiwan, offering a reliable container freight service widely welcomed by enterprises across the Yangtze River Delta region.

According to Su of Xiamen Mintai Ferry, the route's key strengths will continue to attract more business, further facilitating cross-Strait trade.