Global shipping major MSC has enhanced its Iroko service by adding a direct call at Cape Town, boosting connectivity between Asia, South Africa, and West Africa.
The upgraded service, originally focused on Asia–West Africa trade, now integrates Cape Town as a key hub, offering faster transit times and improved schedule reliability. Cargo from Cape Town can now reach Singapore in about 15 days, Xiamen in 21 days, Ningbo in 24 days, and Nansha in 27 days.
The updated route rotation includes: Ningbo – Nansha – Singapore – Cape Town – Pointe‑Noire – Cotonou – Apapa – Tincan/Lagos – Onne – Lobito – Cape Town – Singapore – Xiamen – Ningbo. The first vessel under the new configuration is scheduled to depart Ningbo on January 23, 2026.
MSC said the move strengthens trade links along the Asia–Africa corridor and demonstrates its commitment to providing reliable, customer-focused shipping solutions.