From the Black Sea to East Africa: Russia's Vesco opens a direct logistics corridor to Dar es Salaam

Amnia Hassan

Russian shipping giant FESCO has launched its first direct container shipping service to the port of Dar es Salaam, a move reflecting Moscow's accelerating commercial presence in the East. AfricaThis indicates a redrawing of supply chain maps away from traditional routes affected by sanctions and geopolitical tensions.

A new route connecting three continents

The shipment departed from the port of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea, passing through the port of Nhwa Sheva in India, before landing in Dar es Salaam.

The line operates as part of the FESCO Indian Line West service with an average journey time of about 45 days, carrying plastic products and industrial spare parts to the Tanzanian market.

Dar es Salaam, gateway to the landlocked region

Dar es Salaam is rapidly advancing among the world’s fastest-growing container ports, playing a pivotal role not only in Tanzania, but also in landlocked countries such as Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tanzania has invested heavily in upgrading the docks, deepening the draft and expanding the yards, enhancing the port's attractiveness as a low-cost and highly efficient regional distribution hub.

Bilateral trading in both directions

Vesco plans to operate the line in both directions. As Russian industrial goods flow south, ships are expected to return loaded with tea, coffee, and other agricultural produce to Russia. Once the containers arrive in Novorossiysk, they will be transported via the company's rail and truck network to various Russian regions.

Russia is repositioning itself in Africa

The move comes as part of a broader effort by Moscow to deepen its trade and logistics ties with Africa, Asia and the Middle East, amid Western restrictions that have prompted it to seek alternative routes.

Although the volume of Russian-African trade remains below that of partners such as China and the European Union, Moscow is focusing on energy, fertilizers, grain, machinery and logistics as levers for expansion.

Shipping companies adapt to shifts in global supply chains

The new route to Dar es Salaam is a practical example of how shipping companies are adapting to the transformations in global supply chains. Diversifying routes and reducing geopolitical risks have become a priority, and East Africa is emerging as a strategic hub in this transformation, thanks to the growth of its markets, the improvement of its infrastructure, and its location linking the Indian and inland African oceans.