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.
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.
"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, 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."
John Mathenge
Managing Director of Viaservice Limited
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.
"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."
Morgan Lépinoy
Managing Director of Viatrans SA, Switzerland
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.
Robban Assafina is now on WhatsApp channel. Click Here
