Yantai Port launches its new West Africa route as a cargo carrier departs for Senegal with 25,000 tons of infrastructure equipment. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A cargo carrier loaded with 25,000 metric tons of infrastructure materials and engineering machinery set sail from Yantai Port of Shandong Port Group (SPG) bound for Senegal on Jan 26, marking the official opening of the West Africa-bound Yantai-Senegal shipping route.

As the second break-bulk cargo route launched at Yantai Port since 2026, the service will further consolidate its position as a break-bulk cargo hub of SPG and a leading break-bulk logistics hub in northern China.

Amid the urgent demand for overseas transportation of heavy-lift equipment to Africa already witnessed in the first month of 2026, Yantai Port has leveraged its position as a globally-oriented general cargo logistics hub port, with shipping routes to Africa now covering more than 20 countries and regions including Senegal, Guinea, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Africa and Namibia.

The port has collaborated closely with related institutions including Yantai Customs, Yantai MSA, Yantai Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station and Yantai Port Pilot Station to smooth the green channel for cargo collection, inspection, customs declaration and vessel arrival/departure.

During cargo collection operations, Yantai Port has classified and stored goods by their product types, ensuring the efficient and orderly flow of goods. During loading operations, it has combined intelligent tallying with intelligent stowage, achieving a zero-error match between documents and goods.

Meanwhile, tailor-made lifting and loading plans for equipment have enabled vessels to berth, load and depart efficiently, earning unanimous recognition from carriers and cargo owners. The industry reputation and influence of Yantai Port as a professional break-bulk terminal have been continuously elevated.