Cosco launches North Africa Express, links China directly to Libya with tri-weekly service
This deployment arrangement draws on assets across the broader Cosco group rather than on the liner division’s own fleet.
LIBYA – Cosco Shipping Lines has launched the North Africa Express (NAX) service connecting Chinese ports with Libya, operating on a three-week frequency with three vessels of approximately 4,300 TEUs each.
For fresh produce exporters and food logistics investors, this direct shipping link provides faster, more reliable access for perishable goods moving between Asia and North Africa, marking a significant shift away from indirect cargo routing via Port Said.
Direct Port Calls Transform Market Access
The NAX rotation calls at Ningbo, Shanghai, Nansha, Port Said, Benghazi, and Misurata before returning to Qingdao. Libya has limited direct container service options from the Far East, with most cargo historically transshipping via Port Said. This makes direct port calls at Benghazi and Misurata a material change in access for importers in the Libyan market.
For fresh produce businesses, direct shipping eliminates additional handling at transhipment hubs, reducing the risk of temperature breaks and delays for time-sensitive cargo. Fruit, vegetables, and frozen products arriving directly at Libyan ports maintain better cold chain integrity and a longer remaining shelf life.
Vessel Capacity and Operational Arrangement
The 80,000-deadweight-tonne (dwt) box-shaped general cargo and bulk carriers are owned by Cosco Shipping Development and operated by Cosco Shipping Bulk.
Thus, this deployment arrangement draws on assets across the broader Cosco group rather than on the liner division’s own fleet.
What This Mean for the Fresh Produce Trade
For Middle Eastern and North African food importers, the NAX service opens new procurement corridors directly from Chinese suppliers, avoiding reliance on European or Egyptian transhipment.
As a result, Chinese exports of processed fruits, vegetables, garlic, ginger, and other food products can now reach Libyan consumers more quickly and at lower freight costs.
The service also benefits Libyan exporters seeking to export agricultural products to Asian markets. Direct connectivity encourages investment in local cold storage and packing facilities as reliable outbound shipping becomes available.
Strategic Significance for Regional Logistics
By bypassing traditional transhipment hubs, Cosco’s NAX service marks a strategic shift towards more efficient regional supply chains.
For investors, enhanced market connectivity across the Middle East and Africa creates opportunities in cold-chain infrastructure, warehousing, and distribution networks linked to direct shipping corridors.
As Libya rebuilds its trade infrastructure, direct port calls will be key to stabilizing food supply chains.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
