PIL enhances Imara Express with direct East Africa links

Pacific International Lines has enhanced its new Imara Express service by introducing two dedicated loops connecting India with East Africa.

PIL announced the Imara Express service in August 2026. The revised butterfly network will divide the service into the IM1 and IM2 loops. The two loops will provide weekly direct connections to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Mombasa, Kenya. PIL said the enhanced service would provide greater network flexibility, wider cargo coverage and improved access to regional markets.

The IM1 loop, connecting to Dar es Salaam, will operate on the following rotation: Nhava Sheva – Mundra – Dar es Salaam – Nhava Sheva. The first IM1 sailing will depart from Nhava Sheva on September 24, 2026.

The IM2 loop, connecting to Mombasa, will follow this rotation: Nhava Sheva – Mundra – Mombasa – Nhava Sheva. The first IM2 sailing will depart from Nhava Sheva on September 23, 2026.

William Ho, General Manager of Long-Haul Services at PIL, said as trade patterns continue to evolve, customers are increasingly looking for network solutions that offer both reach and dependability. He said the enhanced IMX service brings together the strengths of PIL’s consortium partners to provide a more effective connection between India and East Africa, adding that with dedicated coverage of Dar es Salaam and Mombasa on their respective loops, customers can benefit from improved market access, greater routing options and a stronger logistics platform to support their business growth. He said the enhancement reflects PIL’s commitment to investing in strategic partnerships and delivering solutions that create long-term value for customers.