China has launched its first direct break-bulk shipping service to Peru's Chancay port, strengthening trade links with Latin America through a Belt and Road Initiative project, reports Hong Kong's South China Morning Post.

A vessel operated by Cosco Shipping Specialised Carriers departed Suzhou last week on a 32-day voyage to Chancay, carrying over 30,000 tonnes of cargo including energy storage cabinets, steel bars and grinding balls for Peru's mining sector. The new route will operate monthly.

Unlike containerships, break-bulk carriers transport irregular and oversized goods individually. The main cargo - grinding balls - will support mineral processing operations in Chancay, according to Suzhou Daily.

Chancay port was built by Cosco Shipping Ports and Peru's Volcan with US$3.5 billion in investment. Inaugurated last November, it can accommodate large vessels and is located 60 to 70km north of Lima on the Pan-American Highway, linking regional markets.

The direct route shortens delivery times for companies in the Yangtze River Delta and avoids traditional transshipment delays. Suzhou and Chancay signed a cooperation agreement in March, and five voyages have delivered 26,000 tonnes of cargo to date.

Trade between China and Peru reached US$27.93 billion in the first seven months of 2025, up 16.97 per cent year on year. China's exports rose 20.79 per cent to US$8.97 billion. Chancay port is expected to contribute 1.8 per cent to Peru's GDP, generating US$4.5 billion annually and creating 9,300 jobs.

Cosco Shipping said the new port could cut shipping time from Peru to Asia to 23 days from 35, reducing logistics costs