Shanghai has launched its first dedicated heavy-lift vessel service to East Africa, strengthening cargo transport under the Belt and Road Initiative.

In the early hours of Aug 6, a fully laden Panama-flagged ship departed from Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Port bound for Mozambique, a key Belt and Road partner.

This specialized vessel, measuring 133 meters long and 21 meters wide, has a lifting capacity of 100 to 300 metric tons. It is built to carry massive equipment for power plants, cement factories, and mining operations.

The direct route removes the need for costly transshipment via South Africa for such oversized cargo.

On its inaugural voyage, the ship is transporting 78 vehicles, including semi-trailers, engineering vehicles, and concrete mixers weighing a total of 1,385 tons, along with 558 pieces of equipment amounting to 3,208 tons.

After an estimated 27-day journey, the cargo will directly support the construction and operation of cement plants, power stations, and mines in Mozambique and neighboring regions.

The route will operate on a fixed schedule with two sailings each quarter. Its establishment provides strong logistical backing for Chinese enterprises expanding in Africa and further consolidates China's role in global supply chains.

Source: Shanghai Observer