Global Benefits
The B Line Railway Corridor is poised to reshape maritime shipping dynamics along the Cape Route and Suez Canal route. By offering a direct land route between East and Central/West Africa, the railway line introduces competition to traditional maritime corridors, potentially reducing shipping volumes along the Cape Route while complementing the Suez Canal route which caters for 30% of the global ship traffic. With the promise of shorter transit times and improved efficiency, cargo owners may reconsider their transportation choices, impacting pricing strategies and service offerings for maritime shipping companies. However, the railway line also offers diversification of transportation options, enhancing supply chain resilience and providing flexibility for shippers to choose the most suitable route based on cost, transit time, and cargo type. Overall, the railway line presents both challenges and opportunities for regional trade and transportation networks, signalling a significant shift in cargo movement and reshaping shipping patterns between Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Current major routes
Approximate distances between some major maritime ports:
| Shanghai, China to Rotterdam, Netherlands | Through Suez Canal: Approximately 11,999 nautical miles 22,222 kilometres (13,808 miles) 50 days |
| Singapore to Hamburg, Germany | Through Suez Canal: Approximately 9,621 nautical miles 17,818 kilometres (11,072 miles) 40days |
| Shanghai, China to New York, USA | Through the Suez Canal: Approximately 13,861 nautical miles 25,670 kilometres (15,951 miles) 58days |
| Shanghai, China to Los Angeles, USA | Through Suez Canal: Approximately 19,270 nautical miles 35,688 kilometres (22,176 miles) 80days |
| Singapore to Los Angeles, USA | Through Suez Canal: Approximately 16,612 nautical miles 30,765 kilometres (19,117 miles) 69days |
Approximate distances between Owendo/Dar es Salaam and some major maritime ports:
| Shanghai, China to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: | Approximately 7004 nautical miles 8,060 kilometres (12,971 miles) 29 days |
| Singapore to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: | Approximately 4,515 nautical miles 8,362 kilometres (5,196 miles) 18days |
| Busan (Pusan), S. Korea to Dar Es Salaam | Approximately 7,520 nautical miles 13,927 kilometres (8,654 miles) 31days |
| Owendo, Gabon to Rotterdam, Netherlands | Approximately 5,112 nautical miles 9,467 kilometres (5,883 miles) 21days |
| Owendo, Gabon to Hamburg, Germany | Approximately 5,390 nautical miles 9,982 kilometres (6203 miles) 23days |
| Owendo, Gabon to New York, USA | Approximately 6,787 nautical miles 12,570 kilometres (7,810miles) 28days |
| Owendo, Gabon to Los Angeles, USA | Approximately 9,366 nautical miles 17,346 kilometres (10,778 miles) 39days |
These distances are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the specific routes taken by ships and navigational considerations. Additionally, distances and days at sea can change due to factors such as port congestion, weather conditions, and changes in shipping lanes.