KPA Strengthens Regional Edge as Thai Shipping Line RCL Expands into Mombasa

By Mbungu Harrison

Email: thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) continues to strengthen the Port of Mombasa’s position as a regional maritime hub through strategic partnerships with global shipping lines.

This, according to KPA management is a bold move that is already translating into improved connectivity, higher cargo volumes and enhanced operational efficiency.

The latest boost comes from Thailand’s Regional Container Lines (RCL), which has announced plans to expand its operations into East Africa, with the Port of Mombasa identified as a key regional hub.

The announcement was made during a courtesy call by RCL regional vice president Captain Derek Png on KPA managing director Captain William Ruto in Mombasa.

RCL is a Thai-based container shipping line with more than 40 years of experience in the global shipping industry and a strong track record in feeder services.

The company operates a diverse fleet ranging from vessels of 400 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to ships with capacities of up to 12,000 TEUs, allowing it to serve both regional and long-haul trade routes.

According to RCL, strict manning and maintenance standards are applied across its entire fleet, under the supervision of an experienced technical team at RCL Ship management, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company. The standards are designed to ensure safety, reliability and efficiency in service delivery.

Capt Ruto welcomed RCL’s expansion plans, noting that such partnerships support KPA’s broader strategy of attracting reputable global carriers as the authority invests heavily in port expansion and equipment modernisation.

“We welcome your continued support as the port continues to invest in expansion and equipment modernisation to make the port more efficient,” he said.

The meeting also explored potential areas of collaboration within the logistics and maritime sector, with discussions focusing on how enhanced feeder services can support regional trade growth and strengthen East Africa’s links to global markets.

Also present at the meeting was RCL’s shipping agent, Sharaf Shipping Agency (K) Limited, led by general manager Kaushik Bhattacharya.

The agency, currently operates at the Port of Mombasa, providing an established operational base for RCL as it prepares to scale up its presence in the region.

Industry players say RCL’s entry into the East African market is expected to enhance feeder connectivity, improve cargo movement and further entrench the Port of Mombasa’s role as the region’s largest and busiest maritime gateway, benefiting both KPA and the wider regional economy.