The Jin Ao vessel departed from Yantai Port, a subsidiary of Shandong Port Group (SPG), on Dec 12, carrying over 20,000 metric tons of refinery equipment, construction machinery, and building materials destined for Onne Port in Nigeria. This marks a historic achievement as Yantai Port's annual cargo volume for its China-Africa general cargo route surpasses 5 million tons for the first time.

As one of the 15 key ports under China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Yantai Port has become a pivotal "golden channel" for logistics between China and African countries. Over recent years, the port has established a robust network of general cargo routes connecting more than 20 African nations, including Guinea, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Africa, and Namibia. These specialized routes transport over 200 categories of essential goods, ranging from heavy project machinery and construction supplies to agricultural fertilizers.

This China-Africa corridor has evolved into a critical trade lifeline, streamlining the flow of exports to meet surging demand in emerging markets. By bridging these regions, the port fosters deeper economic integration and long-term cooperation.

Beyond Africa, Yantai Port is aggressively expanding its global footprint. In 2025, it launched four new routes serving Cuba, Vietnam, and Tanzania's Tanga Port. With 30 general cargo routes now in operation — spanning Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Europe — the port's total annual general cargo volume is expected to exceed 16 million tons. This expansion cements Yantai Port's status as a top-tier international maritime hub, fostering more efficient, streamlined, and resilient global supply chains.

The Jin Ao vessel departs Yantai Port on Dec 12, carrying over 20,000 tons of equipment to Nigeria and pushing the port's annual China-Africa cargo volume past the 5-million-ton milestone. [Photo/WeChat account: Shandong-Port]