The vegetable oil industry in Kenya and beyond is experiencing rapid growth, yet the supply chain hasn’t kept pace with this expansion. Despite the increasing global demand for vegetable oils, large quantities are still exported annually to Europe in flexitanks. Van den Bosch is leading the way in transforming this process by transitioning to sustainable ISO tank transport, a move aimed at streamlining the supply chain.

Laurens Tulleners, area sales manager at Van den Bosch, notes, “Our first transport for a leading supplier of vegetable oils marks a significant milestone for the Kenyan vegetable oil export industry. This shift from flexitanks to ISO tank transport signifies a move towards greater efficiency, quality assurance, and sustainability, largely unexplored territory for East Africa.”

The proximity of import customers in Kenya to Nairobi poses logistical challenges due to the distance from the nearest port in Mombasa. To address this, Van den Bosch has implemented a cleaning setup in Nairobi, enabling the cleaning of tank containers locally. Tulleners explains, “This eliminates the need for import customers to return empty tanks to Mombasa and reduces the environmental impact, making the supply chain more sustainable overall.”

Van den Bosch DMCC focuses on shipping liquid foodstuffs and other products in ISO tank containers, including juices, wine, and spirits. This has led to the establishment of a reliable source of imports in the region, paving the way for further network expansion and new opportunities.

Tulleners emphasises the importance of collaboration with partners like Freight Fowarders Ltd., highlighting the need for strong representation in both Kenya and Tanzania. Looking ahead, he sees opportunities for optimising the supply chain in Tanzania similar to what has been achieved in Kenya. Van den Bosch aims to play a key role in driving sustainability and efficiency as “The Supply Changer in Bulk” in these regions.

source : https://tanknewsinternational.com/van-den-bosch-continues-supply-chain-optimisation-in-east-africa-2/