Taiwan-based InterAsia Lines has commenced a weekly shipping service at the Port of Mombasa, strengthening maritime connectivity between Kenya and Asian markets as competition for cargo in East Africa intensifies.

The new service will deploy vessels with a capacity of between 2,000 and 2,500 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) and will operate in partnership with South Korea’s Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), Singapore’s Pacific International Lines (PIL) and China’s COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited.

The entry of InterAsia Lines further expands the range of shipping options available to importers and exporters using the Port of Mombasa, which is already served by more than 40 major shipping lines providing direct connections to over 80 ports globally, according to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

The development comes as the Port of Mombasa continues to strengthen its position as the principal maritime gateway to East and Central Africa, serving Kenya and land-linked markets including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

InterAsia Lines’ East Africa and Mozambique Area Representative Eric Chen said the new service had been introduced in response to growing demand for shipping services between Asia and East Africa.

Chen spoke during a courtesy call on KPA Chief Executive Officer Captain William Ruto, where he was accompanied by Inchcape Shipping Services East Africa Cluster Manager Benance Sebastian.

The InterAsia Lines delegation commended KPA for the progress made in modernizing the port and expressed confidence in Mombasa's growing role as a regional logistics and transshipment gateway.

Chen said InterAsia Lines’ extensive network across Asia would provide Kenyan importers and exporters with more frequent and reliable access to international markets.

The weekly service is also expected to provide additional shipping capacity for businesses engaged in trade between Asia and East Africa, potentially improving schedule options and strengthening supply-chain connectivity.

The move comes as KPA continues to invest in infrastructure, technology and operational reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and competitiveness of Mombasa.

Ruto welcomed InterAsia Lines’ decision to introduce the service, saying the development demonstrated continued confidence in Mombasa as a strategic maritime gateway.

He said KPA was implementing infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation and regulatory reforms to improve port efficiency, facilitate trade and position Mombasa to handle increasing volumes of regional and international cargo.

“Through strategic partnerships with global shipping lines such as InterAsia and others, we are strengthening and consolidating our position on the international stage and opening new opportunities for maritime trade in Kenya and beyond,” Ruto said.

The expansion of shipping services comes at a time when KPA is undertaking several capacity-enhancing projects at Mombasa, including the construction of Berth 19B, development of Dongo Kundu Berth One and upgrades to the port’s Terminal Operating System.

Recent KPA plans also include greater use of digital systems to improve vessel tracking, marine communications and operational efficiency.