COSCO SHIPPING Bulk, traditionally focused on dry bulk shipping, has officially entered the container segment, launching its first direct service to North Africa using a multipurpose vessel.
The 80,000 dwt Guo Yun Hai marked the milestone with a call at Nansha Port on April 8, completing the maiden voyage of a new route linking Asia with North Africa and the Mediterranean.
The move signals a shift beyond traditional bulk operations. Industry sources report that the company has ordered 77 similar multipurpose vessels, pointing to a broader strategy focused on flexible tonnage capable of carrying both containers and bulk cargo.
The service connects Qingdao, Incheon, Shanghai, Ningbo and Nansha with ports including Port Said West, Benghazi, Misurata and Valencia. Transit time from South China to Libya is estimated at around 21 days.
A key feature of the new route is its hybrid “container + bulk” model. The vessel carries containerized cargo outbound, while the return leg is expected to load dry bulk commodities, improving utilization and route efficiency.
The service is also equipped to handle complex cargo, including new energy vehicles, lithium batteries and other dangerous goods, supported by 220 reefer plugs.
The launch reflects a wider industry trend toward operational flexibility, as shipping companies adapt to shifting trade patterns and increasingly blur the lines between traditional market segments.
