By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, 18 August 2026 - Taiwan-based shipping line Inter-Asia Lines is set to introduce a new weekly service at the Port of Mombasa to strengthen maritime connectivity between East Africa and Asia amid rising trade volumes along the route.
The new service, which was announced by Inter-Asia Lines’ East Africa and Mozambique Area Representative, Eric Chen, on Tuesday during a meeting with KPA’s CEO William Ruto, is expected to commence in mid-October
The company confirmed that it will deploy a vessel capable of carrying between 2,000 and 2,500 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) per week.
InterAsia Lines said that it will operate the service in partnership with South Korea’s Hyundai Merchant Marine, Singapore’s Pacific International Lines and China’s COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited.
“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. The service is expected to commence in mid-October this year,” KPA stated.
Chen noted that the ongoing infrastructure development and modernisation projects at the Ports of Mombasa and Lamu have prompted growing confidence in Kenya’s ports and the wider East African market.
Captain Ruto welcomed the new service, assuring that KPA will remain committed to improving the efficiency and competitiveness of the port through investments and initiatives aimed at reducing vessel turnaround times.
Ruto added that the authority would continue working to position Mombasa as a major maritime trade hub and a preferred gateway for regional and international trade.
“Capt. William Ruto welcomed the new service and appreciated InterAsia Lines for its continued cooperation and confidence in the Port of Mombasa,” KPA stated.
“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,” it added.
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