According to a statement, the service expands the ocean carrier’s presence in East Africa, a growing region and key market for Maersk’s customers. The first sailing of the Musafir Express departed from Salalah on December 29, 2018, before arriving in Mogadishu on January 3, 2019. The bi-weekly service connects Somalia to the rest of the world, allowing the country to expand its trading links within Africa and across the Middle East, Europe, and the Far East. Mads Skov-Hansen, Area Managing Director for Maersk in Eastern Africa, commented: “Having listened to our customers, we are truly excited to finally add Mogadishu to our global network. “What is equally exciting is that Maersk and Safmarine, with our experienced Somali partner, can offer a broad selection of inland logistics solutions to our local and international customers.” In 2017, imports into Mogadishu grew by 12%, and container traffic is expected to rise by a further 15% during the period of 2018 to 2019. The economy of Somalia is currently undergoing accelerated growth, strongly supported by increasing import trade through its ports. Skov-Hansen also discussed the improved access to trade corridors throughout Africa: “Aside from offering customers convenience, on-time delivery and safety, the Musafir Express will allow us to add more value to customers’ business. “By connecting our customers to the growing potential and opportunities in Somalia, we help accelerate growth for their business.”
Container shipping behemoth Maersk has expanded its east African presence with the December launch of a bi-weekly service to Somalia. The Musafir Express, which runs between Salalah in Oman and Mogadishu, aims to link Somalia with key markets in the Middle East, Europe and the Far East. Imports into Mogadishu rose by 12% in 2018 and from 2017 to 2019 inbound container traffic is expected to increase by 15%.