The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has welcomed the return of container vessel HMM Manila to the Port of Mombasa, marking a new development in efforts to strengthen maritime trade between Asia and East Africa.
The vessel made its maiden call under the Gulf India Africa (GIA) Service, which brings together six partner shipping lines to improve connectivity along the Asia–East Africa trade corridor.
The service is expected to facilitate the movement of imports and exports for Kenyan businesses and regional markets by expanding shipping options and improving access to major Asian trading centres.
According to KPA, the vessel will operate on the Nhava Sheva–Mundra–Mombasa route on a weekly basis, responding to growing demand for shipping services between the regions.
KPA Chief Executive Officer Captain William Ruto welcomed the HMM Manila team during a ceremony held aboard the vessel, where he reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to strengthening international shipping partnerships and improving trade connectivity.
During the ceremony, Captain Ruto presented a commemorative plaque to the vessel’s master, Captain Cha Myeong Cheol, in recognition of the occasion.
“Your visit demonstrates confidence in Kenya’s growing role as a regional trade and logistics hub and underscores the strong commercial ties between Asia, the Middle East and East Africa,” said Captain Ruto.
He noted that the new service would enhance connections between Kenya and key Asian trade centres through the Mundra–Nhava Sheva–Mombasa shipping rotation.
“The service will provide importers and exporters with additional shipping options, improved service reliability and increased capacity to support growing trade volumes,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by HMM-SWHQ Managing Director Tae Hyung Kim, Second Secretary and Consul at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea Youngjae Kwon, and other port stakeholders.
The vessel is expected to discharge imported goods and load export cargo, facilitating trade between Kenya, India and other regional markets.
The introduction of the service comes as the Port of Mombasa continues to serve as a key maritime gateway for East and Central Africa, connecting businesses in the region to international markets.
Through the weekly shipping rotation, importers and exporters are expected to have additional options for transporting goods along the Asia–Africa corridor, while the expanded service strengthens Mombasa’s role in regional logistics and international commerce.
