PIL upgrades India-Kenya/Tanzania IMX service, maiden voyage on September 24

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Pacific International Lines (PIL) is enhancing its newly launched Imara Express (IMX) service with a butterfly network configuration comprising two dedicated loops, IM1 and IM2, to strengthen direct maritime connectivity between India and East Africa.

The enhanced service provides weekly direct calls to the two regional gateway ports of Mombasa, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to address the growing trade demand on the India-East Africa corridor.

PIL stated that the new configuration will offer greater network flexibility, broader cargo coverage, and improved regional market access. By integrating capacity resources from alliance partners, the service is expected to optimize vessel deployment, maintaining a stable weekly frequency while providing customers with stronger route coverage for shipments to and from India and East Africa.

As scheduled, the maiden voyage of the IM1 loop will depart from Nhava Sheva, India, on September 24, 2026, while the IM2 loop's maiden voyage will depart from Nhava Sheva on September 23, 2026.

William Ho, General Manager of PIL's Long-haul Services, said: "As trade patterns continue to evolve, customers increasingly require network solutions that combine both coverage and reliability. The enhanced IMX service brings together the strengths of our alliance partners to provide more efficient connectivity between India and East Africa. With dedicated coverage of Dar es Salaam and Mombasa on the two loops respectively, customers can enjoy better market access, more routing options, and a stronger logistics platform to support their business growth. This upgrade reflects PIL's commitment to investing in strategic partnerships and delivering solutions that create long-term value for customers."

The two dedicated IMX loops directly connect key Indian gateways with major East African ports. The IM1 loop serves as the Dar es Salaam gateway, calling at Nhava Sheva–Mundra–Dar es Salaam–Nhava Sheva; the IM2 loop serves as the Mombasa gateway, operating on the rotation Nhava Sheva–Mundra–Mombasa–Nhava Sheva.

Earlier this month, Taiwan-based Interasia Lines announced the launch of a new weekly service at the Port of Mombasa, aimed at strengthening maritime connectivity between East Africa and Asia.