Kenya: A shipping company based in Taiwan ‘InterAsia Lines’ has launched a new weekly shipping service at the Port of Mombasa. The service will strengthen the maritime connectivity between the East African region and India in Asia.
The new service aims to deploy the vessels around the capacity of between 2000 and 2500 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). InterAsia lines will operate the services in partnership with Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) of South Korea, Pacific International Lines (PIL) of Singapore and COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited of China.
Representative of InterAsia Lines from East Africa and Mozambique Area – Eric Chen made the announcement during a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) – Capt. William Ruto.
Chen said that introduction of the new services is the result of continuous growing demand for shipping services between Asia and East Africa. As the trading volume keeps on increasing along the Africa-Asia route. The service is expected to begin soon in mid-October of 2026.
He appreciated ongoing infrastructure development and modernisation projects initiated at the Port of Mombasa and Lamu Port. Chen exclaimed that this decision has introduced the new service that reflects the uplifting confidence in Kenya’s ports and the East African market.
Capt. William Ruto mentioned about the gradual development and extended gratitude towards InterAsia Lines for its cooperation and showing confidence in Port of Mombasa.
He said that KPA is committed to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the ports through regular investment in infratsructure, modern equipment and operational improvements. These efforts aim at reducing vessel turnaround times and will strengthen the position of Mombasa as a major maritime and trade hub in the region.
CEO capt. Ruto further assured the shipping line that KPA will work to ensure that the Mombasa Port remains a preferred gateway for both regional and international trade. The delegation also included representatives from Inchcape Shipping Services and other port along with the shipping industry officials.
As per the sources, this new service continues to record strong growth of Kenya’s maritime sector. KPA exceeded its performance targets in 2025 and recorded 2.24 million TEUs in container traffic and achieved cargo throughput of 45.45 million metric tons at the Port of Mombasa.
Reportedly, the Lamu Port and Kisumu Port also recorded increase in cargo volumes and reflected a positive outlook for Kenya’s maritime sector.
In 2026, KPA expects stronger performance as it implements digital transformation, equipment modernisation, infrastructure development and capacity expansion projects.
These investments are expected to strengthen Mombasa, Lamu and other Kenyan ports as competitive regional maritime hubs capable of serving the growing international trade demands.