Interasia Lines launches weekly Mombasa service to boost East Africa – Asia trade
The service is expected to commence in mid-October this year.
KENYA – Interasia Lines Ltd, a Taiwan-based shipping line, has introduced a new weekly service at the Port of Mombasa, strengthening maritime connectivity between East Africa and Asia, through a collaborative effort involving major carriers from South Korea, Singapore, and China.
The new service will operate a weekly vessel with capacity between 2,000 and 2,500 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units in partnership with South Korea’s Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), Singapore’s Pacific International Lines (PIL) and China’s COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited. The service is expected to commence in mid-October this year.
Interasia Lines’ East Africa and Mozambique Area Representative, Mr. Eric Chen, made the announcement during a courtesy call on Kenya Ports Authority Chief Executive Officer Captain William Ruto. Chen attributed the new service to rising demand for shipping between Asia and East Africa, driven by increased trade volumes along the Asia–Africa route.
Growing Confidence in East African Market
Chen further commended the ongoing infrastructure development and modernisation projects at the Ports of Mombasa and Lamu, noting that the new service demonstrates growing confidence in the ports and the wider East African market. By deploying vessels capable of carrying over 2,000 containers, the initiative highlights the East African market’s growing commercial importance.
Capt. William Ruto welcomed the new service and appreciated Interasia Lines for its continued cooperation and confidence in the Port of Mombasa. He said KPA remains committed to improving efficiency and competitiveness through investments and initiatives that reduce vessel turnaround times and strengthen Mombasa’s position as a major maritime trade hub in the region.
Port Infrastructure and Strategic Partnerships
Port authorities in Kenya have expressed strong support for the move, viewing it as a validation of their recent infrastructure modernization and efficiency improvements. The partnership between Interasia Lines, HMM, PIL and COSCO reflects the growing shipping partnerships between Asia and East Africa, as carriers seek to capitalize on increasing trade volumes and the region’s economic potential.
Moreover, Capt. Ruto further assured the shipping line of KPA’s commitment to ensuring that the Port of Mombasa remains a preferred gateway for regional and international trade. The new service is expected to provide regional exporters and importers with more robust shipping options and improved connectivity to Asian markets.
Lastly, this partnership solidifies Mombasa’s status as a vital international trade hub while ensuring more robust shipping options for regional exporters and importers.
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