Taiwan’s InterAsia Shipping Line begins weekly service to Mombasa Port

Taiwan's InterAsia Shipping Line has initiated weekly shipping services to the Port of Mombasa, a move that is set to enhance Kenya's maritime connections with Asia. This new service, a collaboration between InterAsia Lines, Hyundai Merchant Marine from South Korea, Pacific International Lines from Singapore, and COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited from China, will utilize a vessel with a capacity of 2,000 to 2,500 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).

The East African region is experiencing significant growth in the shipping and maritime industry, particularly due to Kenya Ports Authority's (KPA) efforts. The port of Mombasa is anticipated to welcome 27 container ships, 16 conventional vessels, four oil tankers, and five car carriers over the next two weeks, according to the 14-day vessel schedule.

During a visit to the KPA CEO William Ruto, InterAsia Lines' representative Eric Chen praised the port's progress and its role as a key gateway to the East and Central African region. Chen credited the new service to growing demand for shipping between Asia and East Africa, fueled by increased trade volumes along the Asia-Africa route.

He highlighted that the launch of this service underscores InterAsia's commitment to becoming a leading maritime hub in the East African region and emphasizes the diversification of trade partners and logistics improvement between Asia and Africa.

Ruto welcomed the new service and acknowledged InterAsia's confidence in the port, adding that it comes at a time when the KPA is focusing on enhancing efficiency, investment, and economic growth. He expressed KPA's commitment to maintaining the Port of Mombasa as a preferred gateway for regional and international trade, promising to further strengthen maritime trade in Kenya and beyond through partnerships with global shipping entities.