Connecting Kenya to the world
MSC is a leading carrier in Kenya, offering services to and from all the major global ports of call.
From our head office in Mombasa and branch office in Nairobi, we serve our customers worldwide.
Contact our team to request a quote, book or find out more about our local services
Detention and demurrage
What is demurrage and detention?
Demurrage and detention is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, inside and outside the terminal.
Please refer to local demurrage tariff circulation and notices.
For any assistance in guarantee validation, kindly contact KE074-Container@msc.com.
SOLAS VGM
Verified Gross Mass or VGM refers to the exact, verified weight of a packed container. For safety reasons, vessel operators can only load a container if its weight has been verified.
What do I need to include in my VGM instructions?
You must include the following on all VGM instructions:
- Booking or Bill of Lading (BL) number
- Container number
- VGM + weight measurement unit (Kgs.)
- Responsible Party Name
- Digital signature of the authorized signatory in all CAPITAL LETTERS.
How can I submit my VGM instructions?
- myMSC (Free of Charge).
Guidelines for submitting your VGM instructions
- MSC prefers to receive a Shipper-Verified Gross Mass (VGM) before cargo is delivered. This helps to avoid any unexpected weighing charges being levied against the cargo, which will be billed to the Shipper of Record.
- SOLAS VGM must be submitted latest 48 hrs prior to vessel ETA/ETB Mombasa (Cut off time indicated in our daily schedule dispatch).
MSC admin fees and costs
- Late VGM Submission Fee: 50 USD per container.
Prohibited cargo
Please refer to the Prohibited and Restricted Goods Under the Second and Third Schedule of the EAC Customs Management Act, 2004.
- Used vehicles over 8 years
- Raw/unprocessed nuts
- Elephant tusks (Ivory) and Rhino horns, games trophies
- False money and counterfeit currency notes and coins, and any money not being of the established standard in weight or fineness
- Pornographic materials in all kinds of media, indecent or obscene, printed paintings, books, cards, lithographs, or other engravings, and any other indecent or obscene articles
- Matches in the manufacture of which white phosphorous has been employed
- Any article made without proper authority with the Armorial Ensigns or Court of Arms of a Partner State or having such Ensigns or Arms so closely resembling them as to be calculated to deceive
- Distilled beverages containing essential oils or chemical products, which are injurious to health, including thijone, star arise, benzoic aldehyde, salicylic esters, hyssop and absinthe. Provided that nothing in this paragraph contained shall apply to anise and anisette liqueur containing not more than 0.1 per centum of oil of anise and distillates from either Pimpinella anisum or the star anise illicium verum
- Narcotic drugs under international control
- Hazardous wastes and their disposal as provided for under the base conventions
- All soaps and cosmetic products containing mercury
- Used tyres for light commercial vehicles and passenger cars
- Counterfeit goods of all kinds
- The following agricultural and industrial chemicals:
- Agricultural Chemicals 2.4 - T, Aldrin, Caplafol, Chlordimeform, Chlorobenzilate, DDT, Dieldrin, 1.2 - Dibromoethane (EDB), Fluoroacetamide, HCH, Hiplanchlor, Hoscachlorobenzene, Lindone, Mercury compounds, Monocrolophs (certain formulations), Methamidophos, Phospharrmion, Methyl - parathion and Parathion.
- Industrial Chemicals Crocidolite Polychlorinated biphenyls (PBB) Polyuchorinted Biphenyls (PCB) Polychlororinated Terphyenyls (PCT) Tris (2.3 dibromopropyl) phosphate Methyl Bromide (to be phased out in accordance with the Montreal Protocol by 2007).
List of terminals
Ports and terminals
MSC operates services to and from Mombasa Port, with local teams in location to support our customers.
- Kilindini Container Terminal - Code: KEMBA
Cargo Loading
Container Weighing (VGM)
All MSC local offices provide certified scales to record and verify container weight (verified gross mass or VGM) in line with Safety of Lives at Sea (SOLAS) regulations. VGM instructions are mandatory for all shipments for safety reasons and vessel operators can only load a container if its weight has been appropriately verified. Contact your local MSC team for more information and support.
Our Solutions
As well as being a global leader in container shipping , our worldwide teams of industry specific experts mean we can offer our customers round-the-clock personalised service. This ensures we deliver fast and reliable transit times, and that we provide the best solutions for your needs.
As well as being a global leader in container shipping , our worldwide teams of industry specific experts mean we can offer our customers round-the-clock personalised service. This ensures we deliver fast and reliable transit times, and that we provide the best solutions for your needs.
Results not found
Last update: 2024-12-25T02:39:00