CMA CGM, a global shipping giant, is launching new freight train services to strengthen its presence in the East African market. These services will operate from the port of Mombasa in Kenya to the inland regions of the country.
Details of the New Services
According to statistics, it is expected that by 2025, approximately 45.4 million tons of goods will be imported into East Africa through the port of Mombasa. This has increased competition for business among shipping lines. Last year, container traffic at this port reached 2.1 million TEU, reflecting a 5.5% increase from 2 million TEU in 2024.
To maintain market presence and increase business volume, CMA CGM has launched freight train services in collaboration with the Kenya Ports Authority and Kenya Railways. These services will start with 54 wagons and a capacity of 108 containers, initially operating one train per week. The company plans to increase the number of trains based on customer demand.
Impact on Logistics in East Africa
The launch of freight train services, as an initiative to enhance CMA CGM's logistics offerings, demonstrates the company's long-term commitment to Kenya and the East African region. The company believes that by integrating rail transport with its maritime services, customers will have more options for moving goods between international markets and domestic economic centers.
These services are expected to complement CMA CGM's maritime activities, particularly the Kilimanjaro service launched last August, which connects to East African ports as well as landlocked countries like Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Nouin Parbo, Regional Director of CMA CGM for East Africa, stated: "Our goal is to strengthen connections between sea, port, and domestic economies. This project represents our long-term commitment to Kenya and our desire to help the country grow by connecting people, businesses, and opportunities."
The container ship Palmyre, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and with a capacity of approximately 8,000 TEU, will be the main vessel during the official launch of the freight train services at the port of Mombasa.
Mohammed Dager, Secretary General of the Ministry of Transport of Kenya, said: "Developing efficient connections between the port of Mombasa and domestic economic centers is essential for strengthening Kenya's logistics chain. This initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between public and private stakeholders in supporting trade and economic development in the country."
