Shandong port launching direct South East Africa service

Running on a weekly basis, the new route adds a "safe and fast" maritime shipping alternative between China and Africa, said COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers. Departing from Qingdao, the maiden voyage will arrive at Dar es Salaam port in Tanzania in about 20 days.

Africa is a major partner in China's Belt and Road Initiatives. COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers has transported around 14m revenue tons cargos for Belt and Road Initiatives in 2024. The opening of the new service will make Qingdao a hub port for COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers' business development in north China, the company said.

The new South East Africa service is one of a series of Belt and Road Initiatives products provided by COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers, the company is planning to launch more express services to further optimise the industry supply chain development, it said.