Shipping Arabia, November 6, 2026 – DP World has announced the launch of a new weekly China–Africa shipping service, scheduled to begin operations in late November 2026. The service will strengthen maritime connectivity between major Chinese export hubs and growing markets in East and Southern Africa, while providing customers with more shipping options and greater supply chain flexibility.
The new service will be operated by DP World’s Shipping Solutions business across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It forms part of the group’s strategy to improve market access and develop integrated trade networks connecting maritime services, ports, and inland transportation.
The launch also coincides with DP World’s investments exceeding $665 million in port infrastructure development projects in Mozambique and Tanzania.
DP World China–Africa Shipping Service Connects Seven Ports
The new China–Africa shipping service will operate on a weekly basis, linking major Chinese export centers with ports serving East and Southern African markets.
The service will follow this port rotation:
Shanghai → Ningbo → Nansha → Port Klang (West Port) → Dar es Salaam → Maputo → Singapore → Shanghai.
The route connects three major Chinese ports with Port Klang in Malaysia, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, and Maputo in Mozambique. It also includes Singapore on the return voyage to Shanghai.
According to DP World, the service will provide additional maritime connections between China’s principal export hubs and African markets. It aims to support cargo movements across established and emerging trade routes while improving shipping options for businesses.
The service is expected to accommodate a diverse range of commodities. Shipments from China will include machinery, electronics, construction materials, and automotive components.
Meanwhile, African exports are expected to include agricultural products, minerals, and other commodities. These cargo flows will contribute to expanding trade connections between the participating markets.
By introducing additional shipping routes, DP World aims to improve market accessibility, strengthen regional and international trade flows, and support growing South–South trade.
Integrating Maritime Services, Ports and Inland Transport
The new service represents a practical application of DP World’s integrated trade corridor strategy, which combines maritime transportation, port infrastructure, and inland logistics to create more connected and resilient supply chains.
Rather than focusing solely on shipping capacity, the approach seeks to provide customers with reliable transport connections, greater routing flexibility, and integrated logistics solutions.
Ganesh Raj, Global Chief Operating Officer of Marine Services at DP World, highlighted the rapid changes taking place in international trade and the need for shipping solutions that can adapt to evolving market requirements.
He explained that customers increasingly require more than additional shipping capacity. Reliable connections, a broader range of transport options, and operational flexibility are becoming essential as global trade patterns evolve.
Raj indicated that the new China–Africa service would strengthen maritime connectivity and create additional opportunities for businesses. By developing more efficient and resilient shipping networks, DP World aims to support the continued movement of goods between international markets.
The service also reflects the group’s wider efforts to connect maritime transportation with its port and logistics infrastructure, helping customers access regional and international markets through integrated trade networks.
DP World Invests Over $665 Million in African Port Development
The launch of the China–Africa shipping service comes alongside significant investments by DP World in African port infrastructure.
In Mozambique, the group is investing $165 million to expand the container terminal at the Port of Maputo. The project aims to more than double the terminal’s existing handling capacity, strengthening its ability to accommodate containerized trade.
In Tanzania, DP World has committed more than $500 million to modernize the Port of Dar es Salaam and develop its operational capabilities.
Together, the two investment commitments exceed $665 million and support the group’s broader approach to developing maritime and trade infrastructure across Africa.
Both Maputo and Dar es Salaam are included in the new China–Africa shipping service rotation. Their inclusion connects DP World’s maritime network expansion with its ongoing port infrastructure development activities in the region.
The combination of port capacity improvements and additional shipping services is intended to provide customers with greater transport options and support trade connectivity between China and African markets.
Supporting China–Africa and South–South Trade
DP World’s latest shipping service reflects its strategy of combining port infrastructure development with maritime network expansion to strengthen regional and international trade corridors.
The weekly service will provide additional transport options for Chinese exports destined for African markets while supporting the movement of agricultural products, minerals, and other commodities from Africa.
At the same time, the group’s investments in Maputo and Dar es Salaam aim to increase port capacity and enhance operational capabilities at two destinations included in the new service.
Through these combined initiatives, DP World seeks to improve supply chain resilience, expand market access, and support the continued growth of trade between countries of the Global South.
Source: CNN Business Arabic