Cathay Cargo expands GBA perishables network with new intermodal links

Cathay Cargo has strengthened Hong Kong’s role as an international cargo gateway for the Greater Bay Area (GBA) by launching a fully integrated intermodal perishables network spanning air, land and sea. The expansion includes a new refrigerated barge service connecting Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) with Cathay Cargo Terminal Dongguan and an extended Air-Land Fresh Lane to Macao.

The new refrigerated barge service now links HKIA directly with Cathay Cargo Terminal Dongguan, while the Air-Land Fresh Lane has been extended across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) to serve Macao. Together with the existing air-to-air service to Guangzhou, the expanded network offers shippers more routing options, stronger cold-chain protection and improved access to the Greater Bay Area.

James Evans, General Manager Cargo Commercial at Cathay, said: “The GBA is a key growth market for premium perishables, and we have listened closely to our customers by enhancing connectivity and strengthening service assurance across every touchpoint. With three intermodal routes now fully operational — each offering distinct advantages in speed, cost and flexibility — we remain committed to further expanding our network as demand continues to grow, while reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a world-leading air cargo hub.”

The new refrigerated barge service is the first commercial air-sea transport solution for refrigerated perishables into the wider Greater Bay Area from Hong Kong. The service became fully operational after successful trials in early 2026.

Shipments are loaded as intact pallets without being broken down, helping preserve packaging and reduce handling risks. The barge travels directly to Cathay Cargo Terminal Dongguan in Humen, where shipments are collected from dedicated cold storage at the pier. Unlike fixed flight schedules, the barge service offers flexible departure times, making it suitable for shipments where cost efficiency is more important than speed.

Cathay Cargo has also extended its Air-Land Fresh Lane to Macao, adding a new destination along the HZMB corridor to support the city’s premium retail and hospitality market. Perishable shipments can reach their final destination in Macao in as little as four hours from HKIA, including customs and quarantine clearance.

Shipments are pre-cleared by Hong Kong Customs and secured with a recognised seal, meaning they are typically not re-examined at the land boundary. This helps reduce delays for time-sensitive cargo. The transfer terminal operates around the clock, while refrigerated trucks maintain the cold chain from aircraft to final delivery.

All three transport options operate under a single air waybill within the Cathay Cargo network and are supported by IATA CEIV Fresh certification expertise, providing end-to-end cold-chain assurance for shippers.

The air-to-air service offers bellyhold capacity on up to three daily passenger flights between Hong Kong and Guangzhou for time-critical shipments, with airside transfers and early morning arrivals aligned with wholesale market schedules. The air-land service provides cross-boundary refrigerated trucking via the HZMB to Zhuhai and Macao with direct customer deliveries. The new air-sea service connects Hong Kong with Dongguan through a refrigerated barge, offering a more cost-effective and flexible option for less time-sensitive consignments.

Eligible shipments using the Air-Land Fresh Lane into the Greater Bay Area may also qualify for promotional trucking rates under the Airport Authority Hong Kong’s Cross-boundary Trucking Subsidy Scheme, which is available until 31 December 2026.