Cathay Cargo adds new transport links to GBA cold-chain network

The network links Guangzhou by air, Zhuhai and Macao by road, and Dongguan by sea.

Cathay Cargo has expanded its cold-chain network in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), adding a refrigerated barge link between Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Cathay Cargo Terminal Dongguan, whilst extending its Air-Land Fresh Lane service across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) to Macao.

The expansion creates a three-mode perishables transport network connecting Hong Kong with the wider GBA by air, land, and sea.

The network now includes the existing air-to-air service between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, the cross-boundary trucking route to Zhuhai and Macao, and the new air-sea connection to Dongguan.

The refrigerated barge service, which became fully operational after trials in early 2026, is the first commercial air-sea route for refrigerated perishables from Hong Kong into the wider GBA.

The barge travels directly to Cathay Cargo Terminal Dongguan in Humen, where cargo is transferred to dedicated cold storage facilities for collection.

Unlike air services that operate on fixed schedules, the barge option provides more flexible departure times and is intended for shipments where cost efficiency is prioritised over speed.

The Air-Land Fresh Lane has also been extended to Macao. Perishable goods can reach their final destination in Macao from HKIA in as little as four hours, including customs and quarantine processing.

Shipments moving through the route are pre-cleared by Hong Kong Customs and secured with recognised seals.

The transfer terminal operates 24 hours a day, with refrigerated trucks maintaining temperature control from aircraft arrival through to final delivery.

All three services operate under a single air waybill within the Cathay Cargo network and follow cold-chain handling standards supported by IATA CEIV Fresh certification expertise.

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