On May 21st, the vessel MSC KERRY VII docked at Hairun Terminal, marking the official inaugural voyage of Mediterranean Shipping Company's (MSC) Africa route "IROKO" at Xiamen Port. As a leading hub serving the construction of the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road," Xiamen Port has added another efficient and convenient international trade channel, further deepening the connectivity framework of the "Belt and Road" initiative and enhancing the intercontinental shipping network linking Asia and Africa. It is reported that the "IROKO" route is exclusively operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), directly calling at ports including Cape Town, Cotonou, Pointe-Noire, and Singapore, forming an efficient closed-loop service. The route plans to deploy 12 container vessels with a maximum capacity of 9,000 TEUs, operating on a weekly schedule, providing a more stable and rapid transportation link connecting regions such as Asia, South Africa, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, Benin, and Angola. The route primarily exports goods such as plastic and rubber raw materials, building materials, mechanical equipment, and daily necessities. The inaugural voyage is expected to handle approximately 4,500 TEUs of cargo. With China implementing zero tariffs for 53 African countries starting May 1, 2026, the launch of this route is set to further facilitate the import of goods like minerals and stone materials through Xiamen Port, driving a "new engine" for Fujian's import growth from Africa and continuously deepening economic and trade exchanges with BRICS countries. To ensure the efficient and smooth operation of this route, with strong support from port authorities including customs, maritime, and border inspection, the Xiamen Haicang Joint Operation Center actively coordinates and precisely aligns with customer service needs such as shipping companies. Tailoring a comprehensive service plan based on vessel arrival schedules and route operational characteristics, the center aims to achieve "zero waiting" for vessel arrivals and seamless cargo loading, enabling businesses to promptly benefit from tariff advantages. The successful inaugural voyage of the new "IROKO" route reflects Xiamen Port's ongoing efforts to optimize shipping connections with major ports along the "Belt and Road" and expand its east-west intercontinental route network, injecting new momentum into the smooth flow of regional industrial and supply chains between Asia and Africa. In the future, Xiamen Port will continue to proactively integrate into and serve the synergistic development of the "Belt and Road" initiative and BRICS cooperation strategies. Guided by market demand, the port will optimize route layouts, enhance service capabilities, play a more significant role in the joint construction of the "Belt and Road," and support the efficient global reach of more "Made in China" products.
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