Grimaldi upgrades far east–West Africa service, strengthens Durban hub role

Ro-roThe Grimaldi Group has enhanced its Far East–West Africa service less than a year after its launch. The route, which carries containers, rolling cargo, and project cargo between China, South Africa, and Nigeria, now operates with increased frequency and capacity following the deployment of four modern ConRo vessels, including ships from the G5 class.

Departures from the Chinese ports of Ningbo and Taicang–Shanghai now run every 15 days, calling at Durban before continuing to Lagos. Transit time from China to Durban is 18 days, while the leg from Durban to Lagos takes nine days.

Durban serves as the central hub for the service, handling imports from China into South Africa and facilitating onward transport to West Africa. Cargo arriving in Lagos can connect via the Grimaldi-owned PTML terminal — the largest RoRo facility in West Africa — to other regional ports including Abidjan, Tema, Douala, Dakar, and Casablanca, as well as to South American destinations such as Santos and Paranaguá in Brazil.

The upgrades are intended to improve reliability and options for shippers on the China–South Africa–West Africa trade corridor.

Nov 25 2025