en.Wedoany.com Reported - Pacific International Lines (PIL) has launched a new weekly container shipping service connecting Asia and South Africa, adding capacity to this trade route.

The Ubuntu Express (UBX) service has completed its maiden voyage at Durban Container Terminal. The route directly connects South and Central China, Taiwan, and Singapore with Durban and Cape Town in South Africa, with a port rotation of Shanghai, Ningbo, Kaohsiung, Shekou, Singapore, Durban, Cape Town, Singapore, and Shanghai.

PIL stated that the service primarily addresses the growing trade demand between Asia and South Africa, with its launch coinciding with the peak season for South African citrus exports.

The service provides additional reefer plug capacity for fresh produce exports and connects South African exporters with the Far East and other markets through weekly sailings.

Customers can transport cargo between Durban and Johannesburg using through bills of lading via PIL's carrier haulage and rail services. PIL also offers onward transportation from Durban to Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Lesotho through its inland logistics network.

Peter Carter James, Managing Director of PIL South Africa, stated that South Africa is a key market in the company's global network. After serving the region for nearly 30 years, the launch of UBX marks the company's latest investment in strengthening connectivity between Asia and Southern Africa.

Evergreen Marine has also launched a weekly Far East-South Africa Express (SAF) service, calling at the same core Asian ports before arriving at Durban and Cape Town, further increasing weekly capacity on the Asia-South Africa trade. The service calls at Shanghai, Ningbo, Kaohsiung, Shekou, and Singapore.