HAPAG-LLOYD, which launched its first dedicated weekly East Africa service (EAS) in April linking Jeddah to Mombasa, Dar es Salaam and back to Jeddah, is to be expanded. Owing to its success, the German carrier is expanding the service from September with a weekly connection to and from Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Khor Fakkan, Jebel Ali, Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. This service, branded EAS2, will replace the current EAS service and directly link the Arabian gulf and the west coast of India with East Africa. The shipping line also offers inland transportation to and from the East African hinterland locations of Bujumbura (Burundi), Kigali (Rwanda), Lubumbashi (Democratic Republic of Congo), Lusaka (Zambia) and Kampala (Uganda). "I am delighted that our East Africa service from and to Kenya is developing so positively. After only four months in operation, we have significantly expanded our business with overall vessel utilisation beyond our expectations," said managing director Africa, Middle East and Indian Subcontinent Dheeraj Bhatia. The GDP of Kenya has grown significantly in the last two years, rising by an average of six per cent. Kenya primarily exports coffee and tea, but also vegetables, fruits and textiles. The main imports are vehicles, spare parts, yarns, machines and electronic goods.