China Launches New Africa Shipping Routes as Zero-Tariff Access for 53 Countries Begins in May 2026 China is expanding its maritime trade footprint across Africa through new direct shipping routes from key domestic ports, a move aimed at improving logistics efficiency and strengthening commercial ties ahead of planned tariff reductions in 2026. According to Global Times, Beijing will introduce zero-tariff access for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations, effective May
Category: Shipping News
Namibia Expands Walvis Bay Port to Position Itself as Southern Africa’s Logistics Gateway
Namibia Invests $126.5M in Walvis Bay Port Upgrade to Rival South Africa’s Congested Trade Routes Namibia is accelerating its push to become a regional logistics hub with a $126.5 million upgrade of Walvis Bay Port, aimed at improving trade efficiency for landlocked neighbors. The project includes the addition of six rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, which will significantly boost container handling capacity and reduce vessel turnaround times. It is being implemented
Maersk Halts New Shipments to Berbera, Putting Pressure on Horn of Africa Trade Routes
Maersk Suspends New Cargo Bookings to Berbera Port, Raising Concerns Over Ethiopia Trade Corridor Disruptions Global container shipping giant A.P. Moller–Maersk has temporarily suspended new cargo bookings to and from the Port of Berbera, disrupting a key inland trade corridor connecting the Horn of Africa’s coastal gateways to Ethiopia’s import-dependent economy. In a notice to customers, the company said the suspension takes effect immediately due to scheduling changes. However, Maersk
Metso Expands African Footprint with New Bulk Materials Handling Hub in Cape Town
Metso Opens Cape Town Regional Hub to Support African Ports, Localisation and Bulk Materials Handling Growth Global industrial technology group Metso has expanded its bulk materials handling network with the opening of a new regional hub in Cape Town, strengthening its operational presence and service capacity across Africa’s port and mining sectors. The Finnish company, which supplies technologies, equipment and services to the aggregates, minerals processing and metals refining industries
Hapag-Lloyd Suspends Africa–Upper Gulf Shipments Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
Hapag-Lloyd Halts Africa-to-Gulf Cargo Bookings Over Security Risks in Strait of Hormuz German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd has suspended cargo bookings from Africa to the Upper Gulf region, citing increased operational and security risks linked to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The decision follows recent military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran. The attacks reportedly targeted senior Iranian leaders and triggered a
Transnet Launches Private-Sector Partnership for Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal
Transnet Seeks Private Partners to Boost Efficiency and Investment at Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal South Africa’s port and rail freight parastatal, Transnet, has officially issued a Request for Qualification (RFQ) to kickstart the selection of a private-sector partner for its Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal (RBDBT) Private-Sector Participation (PSP) project. The RFQ marks a key milestone in Transnet’s “Reinvent for Growth Strategy”, demonstrating the organisation’s readiness to engage the
Maersk Positioned to Take Control of Panama’s Port of Balboa
Maersk Set to Expand Influence at Panama’s Port of Balboa Following Supreme Court Ruling Against HutchisonMaersk, the Danish shipping giant, is poised to assume control of the Port of Balboa in Panama City, marking a significant expansion of its influence in global maritime trade. While Maersk may no longer hold the top spot as the largest container line by TEU capacity, gaining operational control at Balboa would give it sway
Lobito Atlantic Railway Launches First Ethical Copper and Cobalt Shipment from DRC to Global Markets
Lobito Atlantic Railway Facilitates First Copper and Cobalt Shipment from DRC to Global Markets In a landmark milestone for the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR), Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) and Trafigura announced the first delivery of copper and cobalt along the corridor linking the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Angola’s deep-water port of Lobito. EGC, a state-owned entity responsible for purchasing cobalt from artisanal producers in the DRC, has
Morocco to Launch Nador West Med Port as Second Major Mediterranean Deepwater Hub
Morocco Set to Open Nador West Med Port in Q4, Expanding Mediterranean Trade and Energy Capacity Morocco is preparing to bring its second Mediterranean deepwater port, Nador West Med, into operation in the fourth quarter of this year, marking a major step in expanding the country’s maritime and logistics capacity. The new port is designed to build on the global success of Tanger Med, which is currently the largest port
Madagascar and Mercy Ships Conclude Successful Africa Mercy 2025 Medical Mission
Mercy Ships Completes Africa Mercy 2025 Field Service in Madagascar After Ten Months of Life-Saving Care The Government of Madagascar and the international medical charity Mercy Ships have officially marked the successful conclusion of the Africa Mercy® 2025 field service, following ten months of close collaboration focused on strengthening surgical care and healthcare capacity across the country. The completion of the 2025 field service represents the end of a significant