Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) is set to expand its Far East–Africa network with the launch of two new services, Far East Africa Express 2 (FAX2) and Far East Africa Express 3 (FAX3), connecting major Chinese ports with East and southeastern Africa.
The new services will complement ESL’s existing Far East Africa Express (FAX) service, enhancing connectivity between China, Southeast Asia and key African markets.
FAX2 to Connect China with Mombasa
The FAX2 service will connect Qingdao, Ningbo and Nansha with Mombasa, Kenya, via Port Klang, Malaysia.
The first sailing is scheduled to depart from Qingdao on 5 December 2026.
The service rotation will be: Qingdao – Ningbo – Nansha – Port Klang – Mombasa – Qingdao
FAX3 to Provide Direct Access to Maputo
The FAX3 service will introduce a direct connection to Maputo, Mozambique, while also supporting access to neighbouring markets, including Eswatini, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The first sailing is scheduled to depart from Shanghai on 25 November 2026.
The service rotation will be: Shanghai – Ningbo – Nansha – Port Klang – Dar es Salaam – Maputo – Singapore – Shanghai
Expanded Far East–Africa Network
Both new services will operate alongside ESL’s existing FAX service, which connects Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Nansha and Port Klang with the East African ports of Dar es Salaam and Mombasa.
With the introduction of FAX2 and FAX3, ESL aims to strengthen its service coverage across East and southeastern Africa, offering additional shipping connections between major Asian export centres and emerging African trade markets.