The bulk carrier Winning Youth, operated by Winning International Group, has successfully completed its maiden voyage by delivering the inaugural shipment of iron ore from Guinea’s Simandou project to Majishan port in China’s Zhejiang province.
The cargo, shipped from the Port of Morebaya in Guinea, marks the first-ever transport of Simandou iron ore to China and represents the first operational shipment following the commissioning of the project. The delivery signals Simandou’s formal transition from the construction phase to full-scale commercial operations.
Simandou is the world’s largest iron ore mining project and is designed to produce up to 120 million tonnes annually. As output ramps up, the project is expected to have a significant impact on global iron ore supply chains and the dry bulk shipping market.
Commenting on the milestone, Sun Siyuan, Executive Vice President of Winning International Group, said the successful delivery was “another important milestone since the successful production of the Simandou project” and marked “the formal integration of Simandou iron ore into the global trade system.”
Looking ahead, Winning International said it will continue working closely with its partners to enhance production and transportation efficiency while improving operational standards. The group added that it aims to ensure a steady supply of high-grade iron ore to global markets, contribute to Guinea’s economic and social development, and support the stable and green operation of the global steel industry value chain.
The shipment comes at a time when China’s iron ore imports have reached record levels despite a slowdown in domestic steel production. China imported 1.26 billion tonnes of iron ore in 2025, up 1.8% year on year. Imports in December alone reached a new monthly record of 120 million tonnes.
Australia remained China’s largest supplier, accounting for 62% of imports, followed by Brazil with 20% and Guinea with 8%, reflecting the growing role of West African supply following the start-up of the Simandou project. Annual iron ore export volumes reached 119 million tonnes in 2025, up 7.5% from the previous year.