The China–South Africa service structure involving five carriers and two service loops is set for significant changes following the launch of the SAF and UBX services by Evergreen and PIL, according to Alphaliner.
The existing network, previously involving Cosco Shipping Lines, Gold Star, ONE, Evergreen and PIL, is expected to continue without Evergreen and likely without PIL, leaving the remaining partners to revise service coverage across the trade lane.
Under the changes, the ZAX2/SA2/SAS service operated by COSCO Shipping Lines, including affiliate OOCL, together with Gold Star Line and Ocean Network Express, will remove Kaohsiung, Xiamen and Nansha from the rotation.
The revised ZAX2/SA2/SAS loop will instead call Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen (Shekou), Hong Kong, Singapore, Durban, Cape Town, Singapore and return to Qingdao.
Meanwhile, the ZAX3/SA1/SAC service will drop Qingdao from its rotation while adding Xiamen and Nansha.
Following the adjustments, the updated ZAX3/SA1/SAC service rotation will connect Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, Nansha, Singapore, Durban, Singapore and return to Shanghai.
The network restructuring reflects ongoing shifts in carrier partnerships and capacity deployment strategies as operators continue adjusting service portfolios across the Asia–South Africa trade corridor.
