Misurata Free Zone Port has received the container vessel GUO YUN HAI, operated by COSCO Shipping, marking the launch of the first direct container shipping service connecting China and Libya.
The new route is expected to improve Libya’s logistics sector by reducing reliance on transshipment hubs, which have traditionally increased transit times and supply chain costs for cargo arriving from the Far East.
The vessel arrived at Misurata carrying around 1,000 containers for discharge, while a similar volume is expected to be loaded for outbound shipments.
The service operates under COSCO Shipping’s North Africa Express network and aims to improve supply chain efficiency by reducing transit times and bypassing intermediary ports. The direct connection is also expected to strengthen trade flows between Libya and international markets.
The route will operate with two sailings per month using modern container vessels, including the approximately 300-metre-long GUO YUN HAI.
Before arriving at Misurata, the vessel called at Benghazi Port, where 209 containers were discharged and around 250 containers were loaded.
The launch of the direct service is expected to support Libya’s economic activity and strengthen Misurata Free Zone Port’s role as a strategic trade gateway linking Africa and Asia.
