Kenyan importers will soon benefit from improved cash flow as Maersk introduces a new financing model that removes the requirement for upfront container deposits. This initiative is designed to alleviate working capital constraints, especially for businesses managing multiple containers.
Through a collaboration with Viaservice-Ke, a subsidiary of Switzerland-based Viatrans SA, Maersk customers can now access containers without paying deposits upfront. Instead, Viaservice advances payments for demurrage, damage, and total-loss charges on behalf of importers, who then reimburse these amounts later.
This arrangement is expected to unlock significant liquidity, allowing businesses to better manage day-to-day operations without tying up cash in refundable container deposits. Traditionally, shipping lines demanded deposits before container release, which were only refunded after the empty containers were returned, often causing delays and cash flow challenges.
Strategic Benefits and Regional Impact
- John Mathenge, Managing Director of Viaservice Limited, emphasized that the partnership expands access to digital trade financing and strengthens the regional logistics ecosystem.
- Tito Okuku, Maersk's Eastern Africa Area Managing Director, highlighted the solution's role in supporting Kenya's ambition to be a regional trade and logistics hub by enhancing working capital management and smoothing cargo movement.
- Morgan Lépinoy, Viatrans SA Managing Director, noted that expanding the VCS platform to Kenya builds on success in Tanzania and could improve cargo flows across East Africa.
As part of the rollout, Maersk and Viaservice plan to engage customers and stakeholders through education programs to promote adoption of this financing solution within the logistics value chain.
