Viaservice And Maersk Partners to Deliver More Efficient Container Management for Kenyan Customers

Press Release

Nairobi, Kenya – 12th August 2026 – Viaservice-Ke, a subsidiary of Switzerland-based Viatrans SA, has entered a strategic partnership with A. P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) to simplify container management via digital trade solutions for customers within Kenya's logistics sector.

The partnership will give Maersk customers access to Viaservice Container Solution (VCS), a digital trade financing platform that supports freight forwarders and other logistics stakeholders with financing facilitation for container-related transactions and improving cash flow management across the supply chain. The solution enables containers to be released quickly, improves business liquidity and logistics flow as it eliminates the need for customers to deposit large refundable deposits during the process and reduces the administrative burdens. The collaboration brings together Viaservice's expertise in innovative digital financial solutions and Maersk's extensive logistics network to address one of the key challenges facing businesses within the logistics ecosystem, access to timely and efficient trade financing.

Viaservice Container Solution (VCS) provides a secure digital platform that enables logistics stakeholders to access financing for container-related charges and logistics transactions.

 (Left-Right) Agayo Ogambi, CEO, Shippers Council of East Africa; John Mathenge, Regional Managing Director, Viaservice Limited; Tito Okuku, Eastern Africa Area Managing Director, Maersk; Elijah Mbaru, CEO, Kenya Ships Agents Association; and Fredrick Aloo, National Chairman, Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association, during the signing of a partnership between Viaservice Limited and Maersk, enabling shippers to forgo cash deposits for shipping containers, freeing up working capital. 

EXPLAINER: How does this work?

Traditionally, when an importer receives a container, the shipping line requires a container deposit before releasing the equipment. That deposit is only refunded once the empty container has been returned. For businesses handling multiple containers, this can result in significant amounts of working capital being tied up for weeks or even months. Through the partnership with Viaservice, eligible customers can access an alternative arrangement that enables the release of containers without paying the traditional container deposit themselves. Viaservice provides advance payment facility on demurrage, damage and total loss on behalf of the customer, on reimbursement basis. This model keeps cargo moving while enhancing the efficiency of the customer’s working capital by preserving liquidity for day-to-day operations.

Speaking during the partnership announcement, John Mathenge, Managing Director of Viaservice Limited, said that "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." He added, "Since introducing the VCS, we have focused on addressing financing challenges faced by freight forwarders and logistics businesses, helping to accelerate cargo movement and improve efficiency across the logistics sector. 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."

(L-R) John Mathenge, Regional Managing Director, Viaservice Limited and Tito Okuku, Eastern Africa Area Managing Director, Maersk, during the signing of a partnership between Viaservice Limited and Maersk enabling shippers to forgo cash deposits for shipping containers, freeing up working capital. The agreement is expected to ease cash flow constraints for shippers and freight forwarders, streamlining container logistics and supporting more efficient trade in East Africa.

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.

"Morgan Lépinoy, Managing Director of Viatrans SA, Switzerland, commented: 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, Kenyan ports 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.

(L-R) John Mathenge, Regional Managing Director, Viaservice Limited and Tito Okuku, Eastern Africa Area Managing Director, Maersk, during the signing of a partnership between Viaservice Limited and Maersk enabling shippers to forgo cash deposits for shipping containers, freeing up working capital. The agreement is expected to ease cash flow constraints for shippers and freight forwarders, streamlining container logistics and supporting more efficient trade in East Africa.

About Viaservice Limited

Viaservice Limited, a subsidiary of Viatrans SA, a Switzerland-based international group, provides innovative digital and financial solutions that simplify and facilitate across emerging and fast-growing markets. By removing trade barriers and unlocking working capital, Viaservice enables businesses across the logistics and transportation sector to move cargo more efficiently, strengthen supply chain performance, and drive sustainable growth.

About A. P. Moller - Maersk

A. P. Moller – Maersk   is an integrated logistics company working to connect and simplify supply chains for customers around the world. Through innovative logistics solutions, digital capabilities, and a global network spanning more than 130 countries, Maersk enables trade and helps businesses grow through end-to-end supply chain solutions.