Evergreen Line has launched its new Far East-South Africa Express (SAF) service, introducing a weekly container shipping service linking Asia with Durban and Cape Town.
The service provides a direct link between Asia and South Africa through transhipment hubs at Kaohsiung and Singapore, connecting cargo from Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia and other regional markets. The shipping line said it is the only service in the market offering a direct call from Central China to Cape Town.
The weekly rotation calls at Shanghai, Ningbo, Kaohsiung, Shekou and Singapore before arriving in Durban and Cape Town. Transit times are 27 days from Shanghai to Durban and 32 days to Cape Town, while cargo from Singapore takes 14 days to Durban and 19 days to Cape Town. Evergreen's Through Bill of Lading (TBL) network also extends inland to destinations including Gaborone and Harare.
To mark the launch, Evergreen hosted an event aboard its 5 600 TEU vessel Ever Useful on July 3, berthed at the Durban Gateway Terminal (DGT).
Evergreen South Africa president Ben Chang said Ever Useful, the first vessel to operate on the new Far East-South Africa Express service, was scheduled to depart Durban for Cape Town on July 5.
"This is a new chapter for Evergreen in the South African market. We are also showing our long-term commitment to our clients Sappi, Transmarine Logistics and Gogo Logistics."
Chang added that Evergreen planned to introduce another service next year, deploying additional vessels to strengthen its partnerships with DGT, Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) and its customers.
During the ceremony, Chang presented Ever Useful captain Jun Chen with a plaque depicting a Springbok to symbolise Evergreen's trade partnership with South Africa.
DGT chief commercial officer Grant Bahlmann welcomed the new service.
"We will grow this partnership and this relationship with all our customers. We strive for productivity and collaboration, and we know there are going to be ups and downs, but it's how we work together and overcome operational challenges that will make the difference," he said.
South African Association of Ship Operators and Agents chief executive Peter Besnard said the new service reflected stronger collaboration across the shipping industry.
"This new service, in my estimation, is more than a shipping route. It is a commitment to stronger trade, closer partnerships and greater opportunities for the businesses and communities we serve," he said.
