On Monday , March 17 , the first reefer container with blossom was enrapture by track in Kenya . This tryout despatch is a milepost in the ontogeny of the Cool Logistics Corridor in Kenya and demonstrates the potential of the Standard Gauge Railway ( SGR ) for the transport of fresh green goods to the port of Mombasa .
The test shipment was brook by Invest International , the Flying Swans , and the Dutch Embassy , and is part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Kenyan and Dutch governments on grow a Cool Logistics Corridor . " This first trial shipment mark the strong coaction between the Netherlands and Kenya in agro - logistics and showcases the efforts from companies in both countries to embrace conveyance via sea freight as an extra modality of transport to zephyr freight , " say Henk Jan Bakker , Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kenya .
possible of SGR to indorse the transportation of fresh produce by seaKenya exports a significant amount of horticultural produce to the Netherlands , include cut flush , fruits , and veg . Most of the flowers are transported by aura as this is a quicker pattern of transportation . However , sea freight as an choice can diminish cost and contract the environmental footprint .
" By carry prime by ocean in containers , we are able to achieve a reduction of our CO2 - equivalent emissions by 80 to 90 % compared to atmosphere transport , depend on placement . This trial shipment gives us insight into the potential drop of rail transport in Kenya as a sustainable and efficient alternative , also for truck transfer to the porthole of Mombasa , " says Jan van Dam , CEO of Dutch Flower Group .
The Naivasha Consolidation Centre , which is being evolve with funding from Invest International and the expertness of Flying Swans , is to be located at the Naivasha ICD . Given the need for consolidation of flowers , the integration center will be a catalyst for the transition to an integrate rail - and - sea freight system for perishable Cartesian product . Flowers , yield , and veg can be directly channel by SGR to the port of Mombasa without pre - ecstasy of the reefer container by truck .
" We think in the potential of ocean freight for the competitiveness of Kenya ’s fresh produce exports , and the Naivasha ICD is a singular fix given its proximity to production regions and direct port with the SGR , " says Marcel Biemond , Director at Flying Swans .
Creating a winnings - win situation for Kenya and the Netherlands"Invest International is displace proactively towards the maturation of sustainable and inclusive international barter . This project will contribute to greening the supply chain in the bloom and fruit & vegetable sphere , creating jobs and increasing the income placement of farmers , while creating opportunities for Dutch companies , " say Hans Docter , CEO at Invest International .
For more information : Flying Swanswww.flyingswans.org/
