The ESA3 service is scheduled to launch from Ningbo on or about 17 December 2026. This expansion strengthens COSCO Shipping’s service footprint in Brazil and increases sailing frequency to key ports in Argentina and Uruguay.

Proposed rotation:  

Ningbo → Shanghai → Shekou → Singapore → Santos → Navegantes → Montevideo → Buenos Aires → Navegantes → Santos → Coega → Singapore → Hong Kong → Ningbo  

The inclusion of Coega Port (South Africa) remains subject to final terminal operational confirmation, anticipated in October 2026. The call at Hong Kong will undergo operational review during the service’s second rotation cycle to assess viability and alignment with network optimization objectives.

Feeder and inland connectivity  

ESA3 will integrate with dedicated feeder services extending coverage from Santos to Salvador and Vitória in Brazil, and from Montevideo to Asunción in Paraguay.

COSCO Shipping will further support the service through its established inland logistics networks in Brazil and Argentina.

In Brazil, the carrier operates 193 trucking routes serving major industrial hubs—including São Paulo and Minas Gerais—as well as key agricultural export zones such as Mato Grosso. Complementary rail transport is available from Santos to inland intermodal terminals, supported by short-haul trucking for first- and last-mile delivery.

In Argentina, COSCO Shipping provides 47 trucking routes covering Buenos Aires, Rosario, Córdoba, and other strategic inland markets, delivering end-to-end port-to-door and door-to-port solutions.

Should the Coega call be confirmed, it will establish a new multimodal corridor facilitating exports of South African agricultural commodities and refrigerated cargo to Southeast Asia and China—enhancing regional trade connectivity and supporting value-chain integration.

Resource.: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/d_0MeuFmwUzKFMKJNU0bSQ