Africa Ports & Ships
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced a new standalone service named Iroko, to operate between Asia and West and Central Africa, which will commence from 10 September 2025.
The service will link China and Singapore with Angola, the Congo Republic, Nigeria and Benin.
In its statement MSC said the new service “will provide additional weekly direct connections between Asia and West Africa, strengthening MSC’s commitment to be the logistics partner of choice for Africa.”
On offer with the Iroko service are significant improved transit times to Luanda, Pointe Noire, Onne, Lagos, and Cotonou.
“Our new direct calls to these locations demonstrate our dedication to supporting growth in the Nigerian market,” said MSC.
“Cotonou: a direct connection to Cotonou, reinforcing our strong presence in Benin.
“Lobito: a direct service to China dedicated for the export cargo.”
The Iroko service will have the following port rotation:
Ningbo – Nansha – Singapore – Pointe Noire – Cotonou – Lagos – Onne – Lobito – Singapore – Xiamen
Details of the vessel type have not been disclosed.