EU and Kenya cooperate to transport fresh produce by sea instead of air freight

Kenya is to transport 50% of its horticultural products by sea as part of efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its export industry and cut costs. East Africa’s largest exporter of horticultural produce is currently using air transport for over 90% of its exports, according to studies, despite it being more expensive and carbon intensive. The conversion plan is being led by the Netherlands and is supported by Denmark and the EU. Shipping companies such as MSC, Maersk and Hapag Lloyd are positioning themselves to partner with Kenya.

A total of 390k tons of fresh horticultural produce valued at $1bn were exported by Kenya in 2022. Kenya exports a range of fruit, including bananas, pineapples, avocados and mangoes, and cut flowers dominate the market, accounting for 71% of exports in 2022. Last month, MSC unveiled its hopes to become a key African partner in horticultural exports, offering reliable transport services for fruit quality maintenance and short transit times.

Air freight accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, despite carrying only 1% of all global freight, while ocean freight accounts for about 2.9% of carbon emissions and more than 70% of value and 80% by volume, studies showed. The program to switch Kenya’s horticultural exports from air to sea is being supported by the EU as part of a five-year, $27.6m initiative to improve competitiveness and promote exports to overseas markets.

“The sector is ripe for an urgent and radical transition from air to sea freight, more than ever as a step in the right direction in the call for climate action. Our support is directly linked to the EU Green Deal, which aims to do just that,” said Henriette Geiger, EU ambassador to Kenya. “A more sustainable export of Kenyan horticultural products is essential to ensure future growth of the sector and all the jobs and livelihoods that depend on it,” she added.

The conversion program is being implemented by TradeMark East Africa, with EU support as part of the Business Environment and Export Enhancement Program. According to Allen Sophia Asiimwe, deputy CEO of TradeMark Africa, sea freight is a “win-win option”, being more sustainable, less expensive and boasting “tremendous carrying capacity”.

Tags: Air Freight


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