Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) PLC on Wednesday welcomed the maiden call of container vessel HMM Manila at the Port of Mombasa, signaling growing confidence among shipping lines in the port’s efficiency and its role as a regional trade and logistics hub.

The vessel, operated by HMM Company Limited, called under the Gulf India Africa (GIA) Service, which brings together five other partner shipping lines. It is the third vessel in the series, with seven vessels now in the weekly service.

The service runs along the Asia–East Africa corridor on the Nhava Sheva–Mundra–Mombasa rotation. It connects importers and exporters in Kenya and neighbouring markets to the rest of the world through HMM’s global fleet.

KPA Chief Executive Officer Captain William Ruto welcomed the HMM Manila team, reaffirming the KPA’s commitment to strengthening international shipping partnerships and enhancing trade connectivity.

“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,” Capt Ruto said.

Capt. Ruto said the new service would give importers and exporters additional shipping options, better reliability and more capacity to support growing trade volumes.

He added that it strengthens Mombasa’s position as the preferred gateway for Kenya and the wider East and Central African region.

“As a port authority, we remain committed to ensuring seamless vessel operations, efficient cargo handling and close collaboration with our shipping line partners,” he said, citing ongoing investments in modern infrastructure, technology and operational efficiency.

He commended RHS Trident Shipping (Kenya) Ltd for facilitating the partnership and coordinating stakeholders. During a brief ceremony aboard the vessel, he presented a commemorative plaque to the ship’s master, Captain Cha Myeong Cheol.

HMM General Manager for East Africa Trade Mr. David Harvey said Kenya is an extremely strategic port for the company. He noted that it serves not only the local market but also inland countries such as Uganda and Rwanda.

“We are very excited to have our vessel call at this great port and be part of Kenya’s growth. We look forward to many more years in this market,” Harvey said.

Mr. Harvey added that pulses, coffee and refrigerated goods from the region make Mombasa an important consolidation point, with huge room for growth.

HMM-SWHQ Managing Director Tae Hyung Kim said HMM Manila is carrying more than 1,500 containers, mostly consumer goods, textiles and machinery. He said the service offers an opportunity for deeper cooperation between South Korea and Kenya.

“We wish to contribute more to promoting the Kenyan economy together with the shipping industry,” he said, acknowledging that the port looked very efficient and that he was impressed by its infrastructure.

Second Secretary and Consul at the Korean Embassy in Kenya, Mr Youngjae Kwon, said the maiden call was far more than the arrival of a cargo ship. “It marks a historic milestone forging a vibrant new economic lifeline between Korea and Kenya,” Kwon said.

by Ramadhan Nassib