HMM to Strengthen India–East Africa Shipping Connectivity

South Korean shipping line HMM is set to launch its new Gulf–India–East Africa (GIA) Service in the fourth week of September 2026, creating a direct maritime connection between India and key East African markets.

The weekly service will connect Nhava Sheva and Mundra with Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Mombasa, Kenya. HMM will operate the service jointly with COSCO Shipping, Pacific International Lines (PIL) and Interasia Lines, deploying five vessels with a capacity of around 2,800 TEUs each.

The new route is expected to provide exporters and importers with more direct connectivity, improved schedule reliability and greater access to East African markets. It will also strengthen links between India, Central Asia and the growing trade corridors of Kenya and Tanzania.

For businesses moving cargo between India and East Africa, the service could offer another reliable option for planning regional supply chains while supporting smoother and more efficient India–Africa trade flows.