Maersk has partnered with Viaservice-Ke to introduce a deposit-free container release solution for eligible customers in Kenya, helping freight forwarders and other logistics businesses reduce the amount of working capital tied up in refundable container deposits.
The partnership gives Maersk customers access to the Viaservice Container Solution (VCS), a digital trade-financing platform designed to facilitate container-related transactions and improve cash flow management across the logistics supply chain.
Containers released without traditional deposits
Under the conventional process, importers may need to pay a refundable container deposit before receiving equipment. The money remains tied up until the empty container is returned, creating an additional working-capital requirement for businesses handling multiple shipments.
Through VCS, eligible customers can have containers released without paying the traditional deposit themselves. Viaservice provides an advance payment facility covering potential demurrage, damage and total-loss liabilities, with customers reimbursing the facility under the agreed arrangement.
Improving cargo and cash flow
The new solution is intended to reduce administrative bottlenecks while allowing businesses to preserve liquidity for day-to-day operations. Faster access to containers could also support smoother cargo movement through Kenya’s logistics network.
The initiative is particularly relevant to freight forwarders and logistics companies that manage high container volumes, where conventional deposits can tie up significant amounts of capital for extended periods.
Strengthening Kenya’s logistics hub role
Maersk said the partnership comes as Kenya continues to strengthen its position as a regional trade and logistics hub. The Port of Mombasa serves as an important gateway for cargo moving into Kenya and landlocked markets across East Africa.
The companies expect the solution to improve trade flows beyond Kenya by supporting businesses operating along regional transport corridors.
The collaboration builds on an existing partnership between Viaservice and Maersk in Tanzania, extending the digital financing model to a wider customer base in East Africa.
Focus on digital trade facilitation
Viaservice and Maersk will also conduct customer education and stakeholder engagement initiatives to encourage adoption of the platform.
The partnership reflects a broader shift towards digital trade-financing solutions that address both the physical movement of cargo and the financial requirements associated with international logistics. By reducing the need for upfront container deposits, the companies aim to help Kenyan businesses improve liquidity, reduce transaction friction and move cargo more efficiently through regional supply chains.