As we continue to optimise our service routes to ensure service reliability and efficiency, we’re streamlining our Gulf India Africa Express (GIA), with effect from 27th August.
GIA will continue to provide rapid connection between the Indian and Gulf markets, and East Africa gateway ports of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. The regular weekly service offers seamless transshipment connectivity for Red Sea and East Mediterranean cargo via Nhava Sheva and Jebel Ali to East Africa.
Backed by an exceptional service agency network, the GIA service will continue to connect customers and partners with opportunities in rapidly expanding markets.
GIA service rotation: Nhava Sheva – Mundra – Jebel Ali – Mombasa – Dar es Salaam – Nhava Sheva
Please refer to the attached brochure for more information about the GIA service. Should you require further information, please visit our website (https://www.emiratesline.com) or contact your local customer service representative.
In line with global maritime safety practices and to ensure full compliance with international and local regulations, ESL is applying strict measures against the misdeclaration of Dangerous Goods Cargo. The transport of such cargo is subject to stringent regulatory requirements, and a complete and accurate declaration at the time of booking is essential to ensure compliance with applicable laws and to uphold necessary safety protocols both at the port and onboard our vessels.
Effective 1st August 2025, a DG Misdeclaration Fee of USD 30,000 per container will be applied.
This fee will apply in the event of any of the following:
Failure to declare DG cargo
Incorrect or incomplete DG information (e.g., wrong UN number, missing class, improper packaging)
Late DG declaration (after the cut-off)
Declaration of DG cargo under incorrect or misleading cargo description
Furthermore, please be advised that both the shipper and consignee will bear full responsibility for all associated costs and consequences arising from any misdeclaration. This includes, but is not limited to:
Additional costs such as re-handling, storage, and fines
Operational disruptions caused to vessel or terminal operations
Potential blacklisting for repeated violations
Legal action, where applicable, under local or international maritime law
We strongly urge all customers and agents to ensure that all DG cargo is declared accurately and in strict compliance with the IMDG Code, as well as applicable port and state regulations.
Failure to comply endangers vessel safety, crew wellbeing, cargo integrity, and port operations.
For clarification or assistance with DG cargo declarations, please reach out to your local sales or customer service representative.
Thank you for your understanding and continued cooperation
“The Finance Act 2025, assented into law on 26th June 2025, introduces a new paragraph under Section 35(1)(u) of the Income Tax Act (Cap 470), which states:
“(u) gains or profits which are chargeable to tax under section 9(1) derived from the business of a ship owner or charterer”
This amendment brings shipping income earned by non-resident shipping companies from cargo or passengers embarked in Kenya into the withholding tax (WHT) regime, thereby placing a WHT obligation on Kenyan customers making freight (shipping) payments for exports from Kenya and Detention and Demurrage (DnD) charges to such non-resident shipping companies”
Effective immediately, a Withholding Tax of 2.5% is applicable on demurrage fees payable to our company. In line with this requirement, we kindly request:- •Customers to withhold tax when making payments to EMIRATES SHIPPING LINE, irrespective of the bank account used; and •No WHT should be withheld against Blue Funnel Ltd, as it is not the recipient of the shipping income nor the service provider. Attach a copy of the Withholding Tax Certificate issued by KRA for the amount deducted and the net payment (demurrage amount less WHT) should then be remitted to our local bank account as usual.
We appreciate your cooperation and continued partnership. Should you require any clarification or a detailed guideline, please do not hesitate to contact our finance team on finance@blue-funnel.com
Effective 1st July 2025, all consignments imported into Kenya must be accompanied by a Certificate of Origin (COO) issued by a competent authority in the exporting country. To support a smooth transition, a limited window until 1st September 2025 has been provided to facilitate compliance and allow importers time to secure the required documents.
The COO must have,
Name and address of the exporter.
Name and address of the importer.
Port of origin.
Accurate description of goods.
Quantity of the goods.
Country of origin
Country of destination.
Please educate shippers about this new requirement by Kenya Revenue Authority for all Kenya shipments (not applicable for in-transit cargo)
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our local customer service and sales representatives.
Thank you for your support and partnership with ESL.
Please be informed of the upcoming change to the quantum of the Demurrage and Detention tariff for shipments from Japan. The revised tariff will take effect on August 11th, 2025, based on the actual departure date of the cargo.
In addition, split method will continue to be used to calculate the applicable Demurrage or Detention charges upon expiry of the free time offered.
We appreciate your continued support. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Please be informed that an Environmental Fuel Surcharge (EFS) as per below; will be imposed based on the Very Low Sulphur fuel price of between US$500 to US550 per ton with effective from 1st Aug 2024.
The Environmental Fuel Surcharge (EFS) will be reviewed on monthly basis for necessary adjustment in line with below Matrix and implemented with an advance notice to customers.
Please contact our local Sales and Customer Service team for bookings and any further assistance.
Please be informed that effective from 15th July 2025, Terminal Handling Charges at Port Klang for both Import and Export shipment will be revised as per following quantum.
For further clarification, please feel free to contact our Sales and Customer Service Representative.
Thank you and best regards. Customer Service and Documentation Department
Please note that Import Documentation Fee and Import EIR Fee will now be revised for all ESL China import shipments with an ETA on or after 15th July 2025.
Import Documentation Fee and Import EIR Fee will be charged as follows from the effective date:
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our local customer service and sales representatives.
Thank you for your support and partnership with ESL.
Please be informed that we will adopt a separate charging method for Import Demurrage and Detention, with Demurrage applied after the free time expires, followed by Detention. Upcoming change to the quantum of the Demurrage and Detention tariff for shipments to Philippines. The revised tariff will take effect on August 1st, 2025, based on the actual arrival date of the cargo.
We would like to inform you that, effective 01 August 2025 (Departure Date), the export free time and advancement policy will be revised as follows: − Free Time: 8 calendar days − Export Detention & Demurrage (Combined): Will apply until the vessel’s load date The Combined Demurrage and Detention (D&D) free days structure for shipments from the Philippines is as follows:
We appreciate your continued support. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
