On May 4 local time, COSCO SHIPPING held the inaugural voyage ceremony for its direct liner service to Libya in Benghazi, Libya. Going forward, cargo departing from Guangzhou will reach Benghazi in only 25 days via direct sailing.

Mr. Ma Xuliang, Chinese Ambassador to Libya, stated at the inaugural ceremony that China is willing to take the launch of this direct shipping service as an opportunity to further align development strategies with Libya, enabling the outcomes of Belt and Road Initiative cooperation to better benefit the people of both nations. Mr. Belgasem Khalifa, Director General of the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund, noted that this direct maritime freight service marks a new milestone in bilateral connectivity and represents a key example of pragmatic cooperation between the two countries. Libya is willing to further deepen trade and investment cooperation with China to achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

This new service currently operates on a stable fortnightly schedule, calling at major Chinese ports including Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, and Guangzhou, before ultimately arriving at the Libyan ports of Benghazi and Misrata. As key Mediterranean ports, the two destinations will facilitate the delivery of Chinese goods such as construction machinery and vehicles to Libya, further enhancing trade facilitation between the two nations.

The maiden voyage was undertaken by MV GUO YUN HAI, China’s first 80,000-dwt multipurpose grain carrier. Integrating multiple advantages—encompassing specialization, cargo adaptability, and eco-friendliness—the vessel stands as a benchmark ship type among China’s grain transport fleet.

Looking ahead, COSCO SHIPPING Bulk will deploy premium fleet resources to continuously optimize shipping services, facilitating the deepening and solidifying of China-Libya economic and trade cooperation, and contributing shipping strength to compose a new chapter of friendly cooperation between the two nations.