Maersk and Viaservice Launch Container Financing Platform in Kenya

Viaservice-Ke, a subsidiary of Switzerland-based Viatrans SA, has signed a strategic alliance with AP Moller – Maersk (Maersk) to simplify container management through digital trade solutions for customers in Kenya's logistics sector.

This alliance will allow Maersk customers to access the Viaservice Container Solution (VCS), a digital trade finance platform that facilitates the financing of container-related transactions for freight forwarders and other logistics agents, improving cash flow management throughout the supply chain.

The solution enables the rapid release of containers, optimizes business liquidity and logistical flow by eliminating the need for customers to deposit large refundable amounts during the process and reduces administrative burden. This collaboration combines Viaservice's expertise in innovative digital financial solutions and Maersk's logistics network to address one of the main challenges faced by companies in the logistics ecosystem: access to timely and efficient trade finance.

Viaservice Container Solution (VCS) provides a secure digital platform that allows agents in the logistics sector to access financing for container-related expenses and logistics transactions.

Traditionally, when an importer receives a container, the shipping company requires a deposit before releasing it. This deposit is only refunded once the empty container is returned. For companies handling multiple containers, this can result in a significant amount of working capital being tied up for weeks or even months.

Thanks to the alliance with Viaservice, eligible customers can access an alternative that allows the release of containers without having to pay the traditional deposit. Viaservice offers an upfront payment service for demurrage, damages, and total loss on behalf of the customer, with reimbursement, and this model keeps cargo moving while improving the customer's working capital efficiency by preserving liquidity for daily operations.

Tito Okuku, Maersk's Managing Director for the Eastern Africa region, welcomed the alliance and highlighted the importance of solutions that address the 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 the smooth movement of goods. Through our alliance with Viaservice, we are enhancing the value we offer by facilitating access to financing solutions that complement our logistics services and contribute to smoother trade flows," the executive stated.

Additionally, Viaservice and Maersk will conduct customer training and stakeholder engagement initiatives with the aim of increasing awareness, driving adoption, and maximizing the benefits available to businesses throughout the logistics value chain.