HMM Launches New East Africa Service, Expanding Network Across Africa

HMM has announced the launch of the Gulf - India - East Africa (GIA) Service, a new container route connecting India and East Africa, scheduled to commence in September.

The GIA service is HMM's second African feeder network, operating under its Hub & Spoke strategy. The route connects East Africa with Nhava Sheva and Mundra, the regional hubs where cargo from India and Central Asia consolidates.

The port rotation will be: Nhava Sheva (India) – Mundra (India) – Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) – Mombasa (Kenya) – Nhava Sheva (India)

The maiden voyage will depart from Nhava Sheva in the fourth week of September, utilizing five 2,800 TEU container vessels. The service will be operated jointly by four carriers—HMM, COSCO SHIPPING, PIL, and INTERASIA LINES—with plans to extend the rotation to the Gulf region.

By adding the East Africa (GIA) route to its existing West Africa (MA2) service, HMM expands its coverage across the African continent. Kenya and Tanzania, the newly added destinations, serve as gateways to East Africa, where port infrastructure and inland logistics developments are ongoing. The service is expected to improve transport convenience for shippers.

An HMM official said, “With the introduction of GIA service, HMM anticipates providing our customers with more efficient and reliable sea transportation. We will also continue to expand our presence in these regions and provide an enhanced service portfolio in the future.” 

< Korea Shipping Gazette >