Xiamen Port authorities last week announced the official opening of a new channel to North America serviced by the Israeli shipping company Zim.

The ZimPNW Xpress route includes a stop at Xiamen followed by a Vancouver arrival 16 days later.

Products exported from China on the inaugural voyage along the route included shoes and clothing, handicrafts, outdoor goods and building materials.

The route offers the shortest transit time for ocean-bound cargo from Xiamen to Vancouver.