Shipping carriers expand India-East Africa maritime services

Major shipping carriers are expanding maritime services between India and East Africa by transitioning from single service loops to two dedicated loops starting in September 2026. This restructuring aims to improve schedule reliability, address port congestion, and provide more stable logistics for the India–East Africa trade corridor.

Pacific International Lines (PIL) is enhancing its Imara Express service with two loops: the IM1 loop connecting Nhava Sheva and Mundra to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and the IM2 loop connecting Nhava Sheva and Mundra to Mombasa, Kenya. The first IM1 sailing is scheduled for 24 September 2026, followed by the IM2 sailing on 23 September 2026.

HMM is also expanding its Gulf-India-East Africa (GIA) service into two dedicated loops serving Dar es Salaam and Mombasa. This expansion involves a six-carrier partnership including HMM, Ocean Network Express (ONE), Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), COSCO Shipping Lines, Pacific International Lines (PIL), and Interasia Lines.