Thailand-based Regional Container Lines (RCL) has identified the port of Mombasa as a strategic hub for its expansion into East Africa, with plans to deploy larger container vessels by 2028 to strengthen feeder services and regional cargo flows.
Under the expansion plan, RCL will introduce vessels ranging from 4,000 to 14,000 teu, marking a significant shift from its traditional focus on intra-Asia trades operated with smaller ships. The move is expected to enhance connectivity through Kenya’s largest port and support growing trade volumes across East Africa.
The strategy was outlined during a meeting in Mombasa between RCL Regional Vice President Captain Derek Png and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Captain William Ruto. Discussions centred on cooperation to improve trade connectivity and align port infrastructure development with RCL’s long-term fleet and network plans.
RCL said the newbuild vessels, scheduled for delivery by 2028, will enable the carrier to participate more actively in mainline trades while leveraging its four decades of experience in feeder operations. East Africa has been identified as a key growth market as the company looks beyond Asia to emerging regions.
“RCL is building on its long-standing expertise in feeder services to enhance cargo movement and link the region more efficiently to global shipping networks,” the company said, noting that its fleet is operated under strict technical and operational standards.
KPA welcomed the initiative, highlighting ongoing port expansion and equipment modernisation projects aimed at improving efficiency, turnaround times and service quality at Mombasa. Captain Ruto said closer collaboration with shipping lines such as RCL would support regional trade growth and reinforce Mombasa’s role as a gateway port for Kenya and neighbouring landlocked countries.
The meeting was also attended by RCL’s local agent, Sharaf Shipping Agency (K) Limited, led by General Manager Kaushik Bhattacharya.
Industry observers say RCL’s planned entry and scale-up in East Africa could significantly enhance feeder connectivity and drive higher cargo volumes through Mombasa, strengthening the port’s position in regional and global supply chains.
