In a groundbreaking move, Lin-gang Special Area has become the first in China to facilitate direct pharmaceutical supply for cruise ships.

In April 2024, the State Council, China's cabinet, issued regulations supporting the resupply of essential medicines and medical devices for cruise ships at Chinese ports, addressing long-standing challenges in obtaining pharmaceutical supplies.

Previously, cruise lines faced difficulties securing pharmaceuticals due to regulatory hurdles. However, with the new policy, 148 kilograms of domestically produced medicines, valued at 59,400 yuan ($8,272), were successfully loaded onto China's first large domestic cruise ship, Adora Magic City, at the Wusongkou International Cruise Port in Baoshan district.

A Sinopharm Logistics truck transports pharmaceuticals to the Wusongkou International Cruise Port. [Photo/WeChat ID: shlgguanweihui]

Since this inaugural shipment, Shanghai Pharmaceutical International Supply Chain Co Ltd and Sinopharm (Shanghai) Supply Chain Services Co Ltd, both located in the Yangshan Free Trade Zone, have completed four batches of direct pharmaceutical supplies, establishing a regular operation model.

Looking ahead, these companies aim to collaborate with regulatory authorities to explore new modes of supplying imported duty-free pharmaceuticals directly to cruise ships. This initiative is poised to set Shanghai as a benchmark for innovative international trade in China's burgeoning cruise economy.