Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) has announced two new Far East Africa Express services, FAX2 and FAX3, expanding its connections between China and African markets.
The services will complement the existing FAX route. FAX2 will serve Mombasa, Kenya, while FAX3 will add a direct call at Maputo, Mozambique, alongside Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
For businesses shipping from China, the expansion introduces additional routing options for upcoming exports to East and southeastern Africa.
New Service Launch Dates and Port Rotations
| Service | Scheduled First Departure | Port Rotation |
|---|---|---|
| FAX2 | 5 December 2026, from Qingdao | Qingdao → Ningbo → Nansha → Port Klang → Mombasa → Qingdao |
| FAX3 | 25 November 2026, from Shanghai | Shanghai → Ningbo → Nansha → Port Klang → Dar es Salaam → Maputo → Singapore → Shanghai |
The launch dates and rotations are supported by ESL’s official LinkedIn announcement and the Container News report published on 2 November 2026.
FAX2: Connecting Chinese Export Ports with Mombasa
FAX2 will connect Qingdao, Ningbo and Nansha with Mombasa through Port Klang. Its announced rotation focuses on Mombasa as the African port of call, giving shippers using these Chinese loading ports another service to assess for Kenya-bound cargo.
The first sailing is scheduled to depart Qingdao on 5 December 2026. Shippers loading at Ningbo or Nansha should confirm their own port’s departure date and cargo cut-off with the booking team.
FAX3: Adding Maputo to ESL’s Network
FAX3 will depart Shanghai on its first sailing on 25 November 2026, calling at Ningbo, Nansha and Port Klang before reaching Dar es Salaam and Maputo. The return rotation includes Singapore.
The addition of Maputo extends ESL’s network into Mozambique. According to ESL’s customer notice, this connection also aims to improve access to neighbouring markets, including Eswatini, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Inland delivery arrangements should be checked separately for each shipment.
ESL’s announced FAX2 and FAX3 services expand its Far East–Africa network. Source: Emirates Shipping Line (ESL).
How the New Routes Complement FAX
The existing FAX service follows this rotation:
Qingdao → Shanghai → Ningbo → Nansha → Port Klang → Dar es Salaam → Mombasa → Port Klang → Qingdao
Together, the three services broaden ESL’s announced coverage across Mombasa, Dar es Salaam and Maputo, while connecting with major Chinese export ports.
The new services will operate alongside FAX, providing a wider network for businesses assessing shipping options between China and these African destinations.
What Shippers Should Confirm Before Booking
When assessing these new services, confirm:
- Origin schedule: Departure date and cargo cut-off at your loading port.
- Arrival timing: Estimated arrival date for the specific sailing.
- Booking availability: Space, equipment and cargo acceptance.
- Shipment costs: Applicable freight, surcharges and destination charges.
- Inland delivery: Customs clearance and onward transport where required.
The announced rotations alone do not establish transit times or guarantee earlier delivery. Compare the full shipment schedule with your cargo-ready date and required arrival date before selecting a service.
Plan Your China–Africa Shipment with Deeplinker
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Sources:
- Emirates Shipping Line — Official LinkedIn Announcement
- Container News — ESL Expands Far East–Africa Network with FAX2 and FAX3 Services
Service details reflect the information reviewed on 3 November 2026. Sailing schedules and port rotations remain subject to carrier updates.
