Mombasa port on track to handle 1.8 million cargo units by end of year

The Port of Mombasa is on course to handle 1.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) by the close of 2024, according to projections by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

Managing Director William Ruto revealed this on Saturday evening on the occasion of the inaugural visit of the MV Ever Vim, a vessel from the Evergreen Shipping Line.

Ruto announced that the port had already surpassed the 1 million mark, achieving 1,003,208 TEUs as of Saturday.

He attributed the success to the port's modernisation, a committed workforce, and enhanced operational efficiency.

"We are targeting 1.8 million TEUs this year, which is more than 10 per cent growth compared to what we handled last year," Ruto stated.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director William Ruto is pictured with Liang Wei, captain of the MV Ever Vim vessel from the Evergreen Shipping Line, on its maiden visit on July 13, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

In 2023, the port handled 1.6 million TEUs, up from 1.45 million in 2022.

Ruto also noted that a new monthly record was set in May when the port handled 176,000 TEUs, averaging about 6,000 daily.

He pointed out that this exceptional performance, along with reduced waiting and turnaround times, has bolstered the confidence of major shipping lines in choosing Mombasa as their preferred port.

"The presence of this vessel underscores the growing confidence that major shipping lines have in the Port of Mombasa. Evergreen is among our top users, and we recently welcomed MV Ever Vow, another vessel from the same line, further solidifying our position as the preferred port of call," he said.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) officials attend a ceremony to mark the inaugural visit of the MV Ever Vim vessel from the Evergreen Shipping Line on July 13, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

The MV Ever Vim, boasting a 3,110-TEU capacity and green shipping technology, is expected to discharge 2,499 TEUs and load approximately. The vessel measures 209.8 meters in length, with an 11.5-meter draft and a gross tonnage of 35,697.

During the ceremony, Ruto presented a certificate of first call to the vessel's captain, Liang Wei, acknowledging the ship's maiden arrival.

Amr Abdesalam, a representative from the Evergreen headquarters, praised the operational efficiency at the port, saying it has encouraged the company to increase its vessel calls.

"We are pleased to use the Port of Mombasa because it is the best in Africa. This achievement is not by chance but due to diligent effort. The port's performance speaks volumes. Initially, we waited five days or more, but now it has reduced to less than two," Abdesalam remarked.

He affirmed the shipping line's confidence in the safety and efficiency of operations at the port.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director William Ruto is pictured with Liang Wei, captain of the MV Ever Vim vessel from the Evergreen Shipping Line, on its maiden visit on July 13, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

The strategic location, coupled with recent infrastructure advancements, has significantly boosted the port's capacity and attractiveness.

Modernisation efforts, including the construction of additional berths, the acquisition of new handling equipment, and the implementation of advanced technology systems, have streamlined operations and increased efficiency.

These enhancements are part of a broader KPA strategy to position Mombasa as a leading port in Africa, capable of handling growing cargo volumes and attracting international shipping lines.