Korea Marine Transport Container (KMTC) Shipping Line has deployed its first ever vessel to the African continent choosing the Port of Mombasa as the first port of Call.

MV KMTC Hochmihn made a maiden call Thursday with 1000 TEUs for the local and transit market, affirming the strategic position of the port as shipping and maritime hub and a preferred port of call for shipping lines.

The call also signals the growth of the region and the country as the traffic in cargo volumes increases.

KMTC General Manager Mr. Mayur Udyawar noted that the shipping line chose Kenya as the gateway through Africa as it looks to expand its operations and business in the continent.

“We opted for the Port of Mombasa because of its productivity and efficiency since we started operations in 2021,” said Mr. Mayur.

While the Shipping Line entered the market two years ago, it has been collaborating with other shipping lines to move cargo for its customers to the region, with MV KMTC Hochimihn becoming the first vessel under the line to ply the Southeast Asia- East Africa route.

“We are happy with the growth and with the deployment of this vessel, we are positive we will handle more cargo” he added.

According to Kenya Ports Authority this is a welcome development and an affirmation of the consistent initiatives to improve capacity and efficiency at the port.

"KMTC has been venturing too much in Asia, it is the first time now they are venturing in Africa and they have given us confidence that they will be a regular caller" said KPA MD Captain William Ruto.

Adding " For us as KPA what we promise is efficiency and improve whatever service that we will be offering them. This is a new business to us and we appreciate. For any new ship to make a call at a port they must have done their due diligence and satisfied."

On his part KPA board Chairman Benjamin Tayari maintained that the Mombasa port has continue to attract new business due to its best service and performance.

"Our port is one of the best in terms of efficiency and I would like to assure our partners and customers that we will not let them down in terms of service delivery" said Tayari

The ship's next destination is the port of Daresalaam.

With the acquisition of new and modern equipment coupled with expanded capacity through berth no 22 that was opened for business recently, the Port of Mombasa has witnessed an increase in shipping lines operation at the port, with the introduction of new vessels and service lines to operate in the East Africa region.