The first cargo ship from Taiwan via a direct shipping route to the Chinese mainland since 1949 arrived at Tianjin port on Friday, China News Service reports.

Evergreen Marine's "Uni-Adroit" arrived at Tianjin port from Taiwan on December 19, 2008. [Photo: Xinhua]

Evergreen Marine's "Uni-Adroit" set sail for China's northern Tianjin port after a colorful inauguration ceremony at Kaohisung harbor on December 15.

There are chemical materials, textile products and Taiwan fruit loaded on the ship. Reportedly the outward port cargo will include Tsingtao beer, vegetable and corn starch.

The direct shipping link took fewer days than before, said the ship's capitain Chen Xinliang who was quite excited about the trip, adding the direct link will not only cut cost of the company's operation but also bring more convenient and quicker services to customers across the Straits.