DP World is to launch a new weekly container service linking China with East and Southern Africa in late November 2026, connecting three Chinese export ports with Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Maputo in Mozambique.

The China Africa Link will be operated by DP World's Shipping Solutions business on a rotation running from Shanghai to Ningbo, Nansha, Port Klang Westport, Dar es Salaam, Maputo and Singapore before returning to Shanghai. Further details published on 9 November show the service will deploy eight container vessels ranging from 2,300 to 3,100 TEU on a 56-day rotation, with the first vessel, the 3,006-TEU Celsius Edinburgh, scheduled to depart Shanghai on 26 November.

The service is designed to carry machinery, electronics, construction materials and automotive components from China, alongside African exports such as agricultural products, minerals and other commodities. DP World said the route forms part of its Connected Trade Corridors approach, combining ports, shipping and inland transport.

Investment behind the route

DP World has committed more than $500 million to modernising the Port of Dar es Salaam, where it operates Terminal 1 under a 30-year concession awarded in 2024. In Mozambique, it is undertaking a $165 million expansion of the Maputo container terminal, designed to more than double handling capacity there.

The company announced the service on 2 November. The new vessel details give exporters and importers a clearer picture of the capacity and schedule they can plan around as the first sailing approaches.