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DP World launches new China-Africa shipping service to boost trade links

DP World has expanded its maritime network between Asia and Africa with the launch of a new weekly shipping service designed to strengthen supply chains and improve access to growing African markets.

The new China Africa Link service, operated by DP World’s Shipping Solutions AMEA business, is scheduled to begin operations in late November 2026. The route will connect major Chinese manufacturing hubs with key ports in East and Southern Africa, providing shippers with greater flexibility and additional routing options.  

The service will call at Shanghai, Ningbo and Nansha in China before stopping at Port Klang Westport in Malaysia and continuing to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Maputo in Mozambique. The route will then return via Singapore to Shanghai.  

According to DP World, the service forms part of its Connected Trade Corridors strategy, which integrates shipping services, port operations and inland logistics to create more efficient and resilient supply chains.  

Ganesh Raj, Global COO of Marine Services at DP World, said customers increasingly require dependable transport links and greater flexibility as global trade patterns continue to evolve. He said the China Africa Link would help create smarter shipping networks while supporting businesses trading between the two regions.

The company expects the service to support the movement of a wide range of cargoes, including machinery, electronics, construction materials and automotive components from China, alongside African exports such as agricultural products, minerals and other commodities.
The launch also complements DP World’s wider investments across Africa. The operator is currently undertaking a $165 million (€153 million) expansion of the Port of Maputo container terminal in Mozambique and has committed more than $500 million (€465 million) to modernising the Port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

The company said these projects, combined with the new shipping service, will strengthen regional connectivity and support the continued growth of South-South trade.