1. Could you begin by introducing UAFL Group and its core activities within the regional shipping and logistics industry?
UAFL, which stands for United Africa Feeder Line, is a shipping and logistics group focusing on the transportation of containers and general commodities across the Indian Ocean. Our core territory spans from India, Pakistan, and the Gulf area to East Africa, South Africa, and the Indian Ocean islands. One of our main activities is operating container ships among the region’s ports. Additionally, we are involved in trading activities and operate a port under concession in Mutsamudu, Comoros.
2. UAFL has established itself as a leading maritime transport and logistics provider in the Indian Ocean. How do you position the group within the evolving regional trade ecosystem?
We have chosen to specialize in the Indian Ocean region deliberately. While we work with partners to connect Europe and Asia to the Gulf, our own vessels and teams focus purely on the Indian Ocean. The area requires specific know-how and experience to deliver a truly competitive product. Unlike global shipping giants that adopt standardized approaches, we tailor our operations to the more complex environments of East Africa and the Indian Ocean islands.
3. Mauritius plays a strategic role as a maritime and logistics hub for Africa and Asia. How does UAFL leverage this position to facilitate regional connectivity and trade efficiency?
Mauritius indeed holds a strategic position in the Indian Ocean, with strong geographic links to South Africa, Madagascar, East Africa, and other islands. However, its potential as a shipping hub is not yet fully realized. Transshipment activity is limited, and more support from the government and investors is needed to develop Mauritius into a true maritime hub.
UAFL has been based in Mauritius for many years, but we moved our headquarters to Dubai three years ago because Dubai offers a much more dynamic shipping ecosystem. There’s a vibrant community of shipping lines, customers, and service providers, something Mauritius still lacks. I believe partnerships like the one being discussed between Abu Dhabi Ports and the Mauritius Port Authority are positive steps toward unlocking Mauritius’s potential, especially given the competitive environment in the region, with ports like Durban, Mombasa, and Dar es Salaam advancing rapidly.
4. Could you tell us more about UAFL Group’s recent investments or strategic initiatives aimed at modernizing your fleet, infrastructure, and logistics solutions?
As a shipping line, we operate six vessels, five of which are owned by us, and we continuously invest in renewing and expanding our fleet. We also maintain and modernize a fleet of around 9,500 containers. Sustainability plays a big role in these efforts, ensuring compliance with evolving environmental standards. Additionally, we continue to invest in our port operations in Comoros, which currently serves as our regional transshipment hub.
5. Sustainability is an increasingly critical topic in global shipping. How is UAFL incorporating green logistics and decarbonization strategies into its operations?
We focus on improving efficiency across our operations. This begins with measures such as using specialized hull coatings to reduce fuel consumption. While our current fleet uses conventional fuel, we are exploring LNG-powered vessels for the future. However, this transition depends on the availability of supporting infrastructure, which remains limited in East Africa and the Indian Ocean islands.
6. Digital transformation is reshaping the shipping industry. How is UAFL using technology to enhance transparency, optimize routes, and improve customer experience?
Digitalization is essential for the future of shipping. We are currently implementing a comprehensive IT modernization project to create a seamless process, from booking to invoicing, and to offer online tracking for our customers. While achieving real-time tracking like that of parcel delivery companies is challenging in shipping, we are getting closer. Limited internet connectivity in some parts of the Indian Ocean remains an obstacle, but we continue to work around these regional challenges.
7. Mauritius continues to strengthen its maritime partnerships with Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Do you see opportunities for deeper collaboration with Gulf-based investors and logistics players, especially from the UAE?
Absolutely. Investors from the UAE are reliable, long-term partners, qualities that Mauritius and other Indian Ocean nations need. Mauritius, in particular, is politically stable and already quite advanced compared to many African countries, making it a strong base for collaboration. There is still plenty of room for development, and I believe the involvement of UAE investors will help drive progress.
8. Finally, what message would you like to share with Khaleej Times readers about UAFL’s long-term vision and Mauritius’s growing role as a maritime and logistics hub for the Indian Ocean and Africa?
The Indian Ocean region is a growth area, driven by the strong economic momentum of the Gulf. This growth can benefit East Africa, Southern Africa, and the island nations through greater trade and investment flows. Shipping plays a vital role in facilitating this connectivity. UAFL has built a robust network linking the Gulf to East Africa and the Indian Ocean islands, which is well-positioned to support the region’s next phase of development.
There is great potential, but also much work to be done. The Gulf’s long-term, partnership-oriented investors are well suited to help realize this vision, aligning with the strategic ambitions of countries like Mauritius and others across the Indian Ocean.
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