The Ministry of Transport (MOT) issued an announcement recently that, in order to support the construction of the Shanghai International Shipping Center and the Lin-Gang Special Area, and in accordance with relevant laws and regulations as well as the approval of the State Council, the pilot policy of coastal relay business for non-five-star-flag international navigation vessels of foreign international container liner companies will be extended to December 31, 2027. Eligible foreign liner companies may apply to use their vessels to carry out the pilot business of coastal relay of foreign trade containers between Dalian Port, Tianjin Port, Qingdao Port, Lianyungang Port and Lin-Gang Special Area of Shanghai Port. The applying companies need to meet conditions such as the vessels being vessels engaged in mainline transportation and the relayed goods being foreign trade container goods with issued through bills of lading, and they also need to comply with the principle of reciprocity. The application requires the submission of corresponding materials, and the pilot business can only be carried out after approval. The approved companies should regularly report the progress of the business, and MOT will conduct supervision and inspection. Those who violate the regulations will have their pilot qualifications revoked.