By 22 June, Nantong Maritime Safety Bureau had recorded the 64th vessel direct from Taiwan and a total Taiwan-related throughput of 350,000 tons since the mainland and Taiwan signed a direct shipping agreement on 15 December 2008. The first vessel from Taiwan arrived in Nantong on 6 February. Before the agreement, vessels from Taiwan had to go via a transhipment centre such as Hong Kong.

The local maritime authorities have already opened a green channel to facilitate speedy passage for vessels coming directly from Taiwan. This includes electronic application for permits, all-weather zero waiting piloting service and targeted promotion of specific regulations among shipping agents and shipping lines involved in Taiwan-related business.