Maersk, Viaservice Deal Frees Kenyan Shippers’ Cash from Container Deposits

Shippers using A.P Moller – Maersk (Maersk) in Kenya will no longer need to tie up cash in refundable container deposits under a new digital trade financing partnership between the shipping line and Viaservice-Ke, a subsidiary of Switzerland-based Viatrans SA.

Traditionally, shipping lines require importers to pay a deposit before realising a container. That deposit was then refunded once the empty unit is returned, often lockinng up significant working capital for weeks or months, especially for businesses handling multiple containers.

Under the new arrangement, Maersk cutomers can release shpping containers without fronting a deposit. Viaservice instead advnances payment for demurrage, damage and total-loss charges onn the customer’s behalf, on a reimbursement basis. This arrangement ress up liquidity for day-to-day operations.

The new deal gives Maersk customers access to Viaservice Container Solution (VCS) a digital platfrom Viaservice has already used to support freight forwarders and logistics stakeholders with financing for container-related charges and logistics transactions.

Speaking during the partnership announcement, John Mathenge, Managing Director of Viaservice Limited, said: “At Viaservice, we are committed to providing innovative digital and financial solutions that facilitate trade and support the growth of businesses operating in fast-growing economies. Our partnership with Maersk marks an important milestone in expanding access to digital trade financing solutions and strengthening the logistics ecosystem in the region. Since introducing the VCS, we have focused on addressing financing challenges faced by freight forwarders and logistics businesses. Through this collaboration, we are extending these benefits to a wider customer base, enabling businesses to improve cash flow, optimize operations, and move cargo more efficiently.”

Tito Okuku, Area Managing Director for Eastern Africa welcomed the partnership, highlighting the importance of solutions that address both operational and financial challenges faced by customers.

“As Kenya continues to strengthen its position as a regional trade and logistics hub, our customers require solutions that support working capital management, reduce transaction bottlenecks, and facilitate seamless movement of goods. Through our partnership with Viaservice, we are enhancing the value we provide by facilitating access to financing solutions that complement our logistics services and contribute to smoother trade flows,” said Mr. Okuku.

Morgan Lépinoy, Managing Director of Viatrans SA, Switzerland, noted that the rollout in Kenya builds on an existing VCS partnership in Tanzania, and will have impact beyond Kenya’s borders.

“Welcoming Maersk onto the VCS platform in Kenya marks an important expansion of a partnership already successfully established in Tanzania. Through the Port of Mombasa, a growing share of regional container flows can now benefit from a more efficient alternative to cash deposits. The impact extends beyond Kenya. As a critical gateway for trade corridors serving landlocked markets across East Africa, Mombasa plays a central role in regional commerce. By reducing capital tied up in container deposits, VCS helps businesses preserve liquidity, improve operational efficiency and move cargo more smoothly across these corridors. This partnership further strengthens the regional reach of VCS and demonstrates how collaboration between shipping lines and trade-facilitation providers can improve the flow of both cargo and capital across African trade routes,”

In addition to expanding access to the VCS platform, Viaservice and Maersk will undertake customer education and stakeholder engagement initiatives aimed at increasing awareness, driving adoption, and maximizing the benefits available to businesses across the logistics value chain. The collaboration is expected to contribute to a more resilient, efficient, and digitally enabled logistics sector while supporting Kenya’s broader trade and economic development agenda.

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