Singapore-based Pacific International Lines will re-launch its Multipurpose Service between China and Africa in March 2010. This service will offer customers direct link for projects and break bulk cargoes between China and Africa ports. It will carry both containers and general cargoes.

The service will call Xingang, Shanghai, Huangpu in China and Durban, Tema, Lome and Lagos in Africa. Any additional port(s) to be called will be on inducement basis. At the initial stage, the service will be operated with 4 multipurpose vessels of about 20,000 dwt with a monthly frequency. The first sailing will be the m.v. Jing An Cheng at Xinggang on or about 25th March 2010.

The service will be upgraded to provide a wider market coverage and increased frequency at a later date.

PIL currently operates about 106 containerships and its liner services have extensive coverage at ports in China and Africa. The re-launching of the Multipurpose Service is to cater to the strong demands of its customers in the growing trade between China and Africa.