PIL launches Ubuntu Express (UBX)

Pacific International Lines (PIL) continues to strengthen their footprint in South Africa with the launch of the Ubuntu Express (UBX), a new weekly service providing a direct and extensive connection between Central and South China, Taiwan, Singapore and South Africa. The service further strengthens PIL’s comprehensive Africa network.

The Ubuntu Express is introduced in response to growing trade demand between Asia and South Africa, driven by rising consumer markets, expanding industrial activity, and increasing flows of agricultural, temperature‑sensitive and manufactured goods. By offering enhanced connectivity and competitive transit times, UBX enables customers to move cargo more efficiently between key production hubs in Asia and high‑growth consumption and export markets in South Africa.

Named after the South African philosophy of “Ubuntu”, which emphasizes humanity, community and interconnectedness, the service reflects PIL’s customer centric approach to building shipping solutions that foster shared growth and deeper trade integration across regions.

The first sailing of the Ubuntu Express will commence from Shanghai on 28 May 2026.

“PIL has been serving Africa for decades, building deep market knowledge, strong partnerships and a trusted network across the continent,” said Mr. William Ho, General Manager, Long‑haul Services, PIL. “The launch of Ubuntu Express reflects our continued commitment to growing our presence in the region, complementing our existing services to add capacity and better support the burgeoning Asia–South Africa trade demand. With our modern vessels deployed across these services, we provide our customers with reliable, competitive and comprehensive solutions across their supply chains.”

The ports of call for the Ubuntu Express are:

Shanghai - Ningbo - Kaohsiung - Shekou - Singapore - Durban - Cape Town - Singapore – Shanghai