SINGAPORE's Pacific International Lines (PIL) will again launch its Multipurpose Service from China to southern and West Africa from March 25, Alphaliner reports.

The relaunched service is designed for containers, breakbulk and project cargo and will link Xingang, Shanghai, Huangpu, Durban, Tema, Lome and Lagos, as well as offer additional calls given inducements to do so.

The service will initially be operated with four multipurpose cargo ships in the 20,000-ton range, offering a monthly frequency.

The first sailing will take place from Xingang on 25 March with the chartered 22,800-ton Jing An Cheng of 689 TEU.

PIL also said that the service will be upgraded to give greater coverage and more frequency. The carrier also offer a full container service on the Far East, southern Africa and West Africa, deploying ships in the 1,500-1,800 TEU.