Fujian launches its first weekly direct shipping service to the east coast of South America

Xiamen, 30 September – A new weekly ZFS liner service linking Fujian directly with the east coast of South America officially set sail on 24 September, as the vessel Zim Wilmington departed from Xiamen Port International Container Terminal, according to Fujian State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.

Operated jointly by ZIM Integrated Shipping Services (China) Co., Ltd and Hapag-Lloyd (China) Shipping Co., Ltd, the ZFS route deploys 11 container vessels with capacities ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The service creates a reliable maritime trade corridor for exporters across Fujian province to Latin American markets.

The service connects major ports on Brazil’s eastern seaboard, with direct calls at Rio Grande, Itajaí, Paranaguá, Rio de Janeiro and Santos. Further coverage across the wider region is achieved through dedicated feeder links and transshipment arrangements, forming an integrated maritime network.

Reduced transit times mark the key advantage of the new route. The voyage from Xiamen to Rio Grande, a major Brazilian hub port, takes just 27 days, while the sailing to Santos requires 39 days. This cuts journey durations by between seven and 20 days compared with conventional transhipment routes. The weekly scheduled service maintains consistent available space, capable of carrying new energy vehicles, refrigerated containers and special-purpose containers. It meets export requirements for high-value cargo including lithium batteries and energy storage units.

The launch of the ZFS service strengthens the network of deep-sea trunk routes operated by Fujian’s ports. Fujian State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission added that the development delivers on the integrated growth of ports, shipping and trade, responding to increased vessel capacity demand from local foreign trade enterprises and extending the logistics reach of Xiamen Port for trade with South America.