The role of air cargo in facilitating African flower exports has been paramount, yet a shift towards sea transport is underway, driven by sustainability concerns, capacity constraints, and cost considerations. This transition signals a pivotal moment for the air freight industry to reassess its strategies.
Reflecting on the Red Sea crisis, Christo van der Meer, overseeing sea freight perishables at Kuehne+Nagel East Africa, underscored the vital function of airfreight in swiftly transporting flowers from Kenya to Europe. Kenya, a significant player as the fourth-largest exporter of cut flowers globally, traditionally relied heavily on air transport for its floral exports.
However, the disruptions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a reevaluation of transportation methods, leading the Kenyan flower industry to explore the potential of sea freight as a viable alternative. Collaborative efforts between Kenya and the Netherlands in 2022 paved the way for sea freight adoption, with Kenya initiating horticulture produce shipments through the Mombasa port in 2023.
Despite successful trials, challenges such as the Red Sea crisis and prolonged transit times have hindered the seamless integration of sea freight into flower logistics. Nevertheless, industry experts remain optimistic about its long-term viability, citing cost efficiency and environmental sustainability as driving factors.
Eric Dumas, CEO of Ostend–Bruges International Airport, highlighted the shifting consumer preferences towards eco-friendly practices, accelerating the trend towards sea freight. This mode of transport offers enhanced sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and competitiveness compared to air cargo.
The Kenya Flower Council aims to significantly increase sea freight’s share in Kenya’s flower exports by 2030, necessitating investments in technology and infrastructure to meet the stringent cold chain requirements.
As the industry navigates this transition, striking a balance between air and sea transport becomes imperative for achieving sustainability goals. Adaptation to evolving market dynamics and prioritization of eco-conscious practices will be crucial for the air freight sector to maintain its relevance in the evolving landscape of flower logistics.
