DHL has announced the launch of a direct less than container load (LCL) weekly service from Shanghai to Keelung in Taiwan. In taking a direct route rather than going via Hong Kong, the company’s subsidiary Danmar Lines is able to offer a journey time of just four days.

Situated in northeast Taiwan, Keelung is the second largest port on the island.

Direct shipments between the mainland and Taiwan have risen significantly since cross-strait traffic started in December 2008. In the first four months of this year, Shanghai’s total import and export volume with Taiwan reached US$10.13bn, an increase of 77 per cent year-on-year.