From China to East Africa: Helping a First-Time Exporter Ship Heavy Machinery Overseas

YQN Operation Team  |  2025.10.28  |  info@yqn.com

When it comes to shipping heavy machinery from China to Africa, many first-time exporters face a steep learning curve — from complex documentation to navigating customs clearance. This is where experienced freight forwarding partners like YQN Logistics play a vital role.

In this case study, we’ll show how YQN helped a Chinese company successfully complete their first export project — shipping large-scale machinery from Lianyungang, China to Tanga, Tanzania, using breakbulk shipping.

Client Background & Challenge

Our client, a leading Chinese company, planned to establish their first overseas branch in East Africa. However, this project came with two major challenges:

No prior export experience:

The client had never shipped internationally before and was unfamiliar with export documentation such as customs declaration materials and bills of lading.

Oversized, heavy cargo:

The shipment included large, irregularly shaped machinery — the largest unit weighed 26 tons and measured approximately 12m*3m*3m. Due to these dimensions, the cargo couldn’t fit into standard containers, making breakbulk shipping the best solution.

Exporting to Tanzania

Tanzania serves as a vital trade gateway in East Africa, making it an attractive destination for companies shipping from China to Africa. The country boasts a 720-kilometer coastline along the Indian Ocean and shares access to three major inland lakes — Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Nyasa — which connect it to neighboring landlocked countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Malawi.

Tanzania’s coastline hosts three main seaports: Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and Mtwara.

Among them, Tanga Port, located on the northern coast near the Kenya border, is one of the oldest and most historically significant ports in East Africa. It currently handles around 1.2 million tons of cargo annually and features three storage facilities, including a 15,000-square-meter covered warehouse and a 24,000-square-meter open yard for breakbulk and project cargo. According to Tanzania Ports Authority, the country plans for a new port at Mwambani Bay (Tanga) to handle up to 7 million tons per annum by 2028.

For exporters shipping heavy machinery or oversized equipment, Tanga offers convenient berthing options and shorter waiting times compared to busier regional ports.

What Is Breakbulk Cargo?

Breakbulk cargo refers to goods that must be loaded individually rather than in containers — such as heavy machinery, construction equipment, steel structures, wind turbine components, industrial boilers, vehicles, generators, pipelines, and other oversized or non-standard equipment.

Unlike containerized cargo, breakbulk shipments require specialized handling, including cranes, lashing, and customized transport plans to ensure safe loading and delivery.

YQN’s Solution

From planning to final delivery, YQN Logistics provided end-to-end freight forwarding support for this China–Africa shipment.

Export Documentation & Compliance

YQN guided the client through every step of the export process — preparing customs declaration documents, packing lists, and bills of lading — ensuring full compliance with both Chinese and Tanzanian regulations.

Tailored Breakbulk Shipping Plan

Considering the weight and dimensions of the machinery, YQN recommended a breakbulk ocean freight service from Lianyungang to Tanga, with a 30-day transit time.

Our team coordinated closely with the vessel operator and port authorities to arrange safe loading, stowage, and discharge.

Results

• Successful first-time export: The client completed their first overseas shipment with zero delays or documentation issues.
• Safe and efficient transport: The heavy machinery arrived in perfect condition and was installed without damage.

YQN’s hands-on approach helped the client gain confidence in cross-border logistics and establish a long-term export channel between China and Africa.

Conclusion

For companies who want to expand their global business or manufacturers exporting large machinery overseas for the first time, having an experienced freight forwarding partner can make all the difference.

YQN Logistics specializes in breakbulk shipping, project cargo, and end-to-end freight forwarding between China and Africa. From documentation to delivery, we ensure your cargo reaches its destination safely, efficiently, and on time.

Ready to ship your first project overseas?

Contact YQN Logistics at info@yqn.com today to learn how we can simplify your next China–Africa shipment.