India-East Africa services add 16 vessels as Asian carriers launch dual-string network

Six Asian container lines have launched two weekly services connecting western India to East Africa, adding 16 vessels to the trade lane. Pacific International Lines, HMM, Cosco, Interasia Lines, OOCL and ONE operate the GIA1 and GIA2 services, which call at JNPA and Mundra in India and Mombasa, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. First departures from the PSA terminal at JNPA are scheduled for 23 September and 27 September 2024, according to forward vessel schedules published by the carriers.

Vessel deployment and port rotation#

Each service deploys eight vessels in the 2,300 to 2,800 TEU capacity range, according to trade sources cited by The Loadstar. The GIA1 service connects JNPA and Mundra to Mombasa, while GIA2 links the same Indian ports to Dar es Salaam. PIL described the network as connecting production hubs and consumer markets across India and East Africa. HMM stated the service adds East Africa coverage to its existing West Africa MA2 service, expanding its reach across the continent. The carrier noted that Kenya and Tanzania serve as gateways to East Africa, where port infrastructure and inland logistics developments are ongoing.

Spot rates and cargo composition#

Average spot rates ex-JNPA stand at $2,100 per 20ft container and $2,400 per 40ft container for Mombasa and Dar es Salaam, according to market participants cited by The Loadstar. Local industry sources reported that India-East Africa trade growth is driven by automotives, engineering goods and out-of-gauge cargo. One carrier executive told The Loadstar that capacity demand is strong on the trade lane. CMA CGM operates its Swahili Express service connecting India, the Middle East and East Africa, and is evaluating how the capacity influx from Asian regional carriers could affect its cargo support, as newcomers typically undercut market rates to fill vessels.

Regional shuttle services launched#

X-Press Feeders launched the Malabar X-Press service, a weekly shuttle connecting Colombo in Sri Lanka with New Mangalore and Cochin in India, according to Container News. T.S. Lines introduced an intra-Red Sea service connecting Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Sokhna, Egypt, deploying a single 4,400 TEU containership on the route. Kenya implemented an updated advance cargo declaration requirement effective 1 August 2024 as part of efforts to address misdeclaration of goods and trade illegalities, which has created compliance issues for some Indian shippers.