The China-South Africa container shipping service network, currently comprising five carriers and two service loops, is undergoing substantial restructuring. These changes are prompted by the introduction of the SAF and UBX services by Evergreen and PIL, as reported by Alphaliner.

The existing network, which previously included Cosco Shipping Lines, Gold Star, ONE, Evergreen, and PIL, is anticipated to continue operating without Evergreen’s participation and potentially without PIL. This will necessitate a revision of service coverage across the trade lane by the remaining partners.

Specifically, the ZAX2/SA2/SAS service, operated by COSCO Shipping Lines (including its affiliate OOCL), Gold Star Line, and Ocean Network Express, will modify its port rotation. Kaohsiung, Xiamen, and Nansha will be removed from this loop. The revised ZAX2/SA2/SAS rotation will now include calls at Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen (Shekou), Hong Kong, Singapore, Durban, Cape Town, and Singapore, before returning to Qingdao.

Concurrently, the ZAX3/SA1/SAC service will adjust its rotation by dropping Qingdao and adding Xiamen and Nansha. The updated ZAX3/SA1/SAC service will connect Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, Nansha, Singapore, Durban, and Singapore, before returning to Shanghai.

This network reorganization reflects the dynamic shifts in carrier alliances and capacity deployment strategies, as shipping lines continue to adapt their service portfolios within the Asia-South Africa trade corridor.

China–South Africa service network reshaped after Evergreen and PIL exit