Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) plans to start a new direct shipping route called “Iroko”, connecting Asia with West and Central Africa from early September 2025.
The route will connect ports in China and Singapore with Angola, the Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Benin.
According to MSC, the Iroko service will offer weekly sailings between Asia and West Africa, adding more direct options for cargo movement.
The service will shorten delivery times to Luanda, Pointe Noire, Onne, Lagos, and Cotonou.
MSC said the new route highlights its focus on serving the Nigerian market more directly.
The company also noted that Cotonou will now have a direct link, strengthening its operations in Benin.
Lobito will also be added to the route, offering a dedicated path for exports heading to China.
The Iroko route will include stops in Ningbo, Nansha, Singapore, Pointe Noire, Cotonou, Lagos, Onne, Lobito, another call at Singapore, and finally Xiamen.
source: www.africaports.co.za
