The ambitious multibillion-shilling equipment modernisation programme has significantly enhanced the performance of the Port of Mombasa, the Kenya Ports Authority has said.
By July, the port's container traffic exceeded one million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a milestone that underscores the effectiveness of recent upgrades.
KPA managing director Captain William Ruto credited the port's improved performance to the expansion of key berths and the acquisition of modern equipment.
“Reaching over one million TEUs in container traffic this July indicates that our annual target of 1.8 million TEUs is within reach," he said.
Between January and June this year, the Port of Mombasa handled 19.75 million tonnes of cargo, marking a nine per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Container traffic also saw substantial growth, with 948,983 TEUs handled during this period, up from 783,125 TEUs in 2023.
To boost efficiency, KPA recently acquired four new rubber tyred gantry cranes valued at $8.5 million (Sh1.1 billion).
These advanced cranes, with a safe working load capacity of 45 tonnes and fuel-efficient engines, are set to improve cargo handling and vessel turnaround times.
“The arrival of the new cranes will boost efficiency on cargo dwell time and subsequently improve vessel turnaround,” Ruto said.
Last year, KPA introduced four ship-to-shore gantry cranes capable of handling two containers per move, enhancing the port's competitiveness.
Since KPA started its equipment upgrading programme, the Port of Mombasa now boasts more than 50 rubber tyred gantry cranes and 16 ship-to-shore gantry cranes.
The second container terminal is equipped with six ship-to-shore cranes and 20 RTGs, while the first container terminal has four new ship-to-shore cranes.
KPA is also planning to enhance efficiency by acquiring additional reach stackers, 10 RTGs and 20 terminal tractors.
KPA's modernisation efforts extend to the newly operational Lamu Port, where three advanced ship-to-shore gantry cranes were recently installed for $31.5 million.
These cranes are expected to transform Lamu into a key player in the regional transshipment business.
Captain Ruto highlighted the cranes advanced technology and capabilities, which position Lamu Port as a global maritime hub.
“With the ability to handle modern vessels of more than 18,000 TEUs and withstand Lamu's windy conditions, these cranes are a game changer," he said.
Since its operationalisation in 2021, Lamu Port has handled 59 vessels and seen a significant increase in cargo and container traffic.
In 2023, the port managed 37,576 tonnes of cargo up from 6,539 in 2022. It recorded 1,779 TEUs, a notable rise from 382 TEUs in 2022.
These advancements underscore the crucial role of Lamu Port in regional trade and economic growth, positioning it as a vital component of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport corridor project.