![Photo: Townsville-Port.com.au](http://media.assettype.com/bairdmaritime%2Fimport%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F201020-1-COSCO.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
COSCO Shipping Lines has begun operating a new fortnightly service directly linking the Port of Townsville in Queensland with destinations in China, Northern Australia, and the South Pacific.
The China-Australia-Pacific (CAP) service is expected to strengthen ties with Townsville's leading trade locations by offering more comprehensive coverage of the port's most popular trading routes.
Exports from Townsville to China are dominated by mineral concentrates and containerised refined metals, while China to Townsville imports are led by a diverse range of general cargo including containerised mining consumables, solar panels, iron, steel materials, furniture, and household goods.
In addition to directly connecting Townsville with ports in Darwin, Yangpu, Hong Kong, Port Moresby, Cebu, and Lae, the service would utilise its ports in China to link with supply chains across the world. Yangpu Port will act as a transhipment hub for cargo between Townsville and North East Asia, South East Asia and South Asia, while Hong Kong will be the transhipment hub for rest of the world.