New berth speeds up operations at Kenya port

Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat Director General, Mugo Kibati says the commissioning of the new berth at Kilindini Harbour is one of the major Vision 2030 components/FILE

Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat Director General, Mugo Kibati says the commissioning of the new berth at Kilindini Harbour is one of the major Vision 2030 components that will ultimately culminate in the attainment of the Mombasa port operations improvement flagship project.

The Sh5.8 billion project will increase the port’s container handling capacity hence improve efficiency at the port.

Berth 19 will allow three Panamax vessels of up to 250 metres in length to unload containers at any given moment.

“The improvement of the Mombasa port with its various components such as the dredging of Kilindini port to a depth of 15 metres and the construction of a second container terminal, are some of the major components that build up to the Vision 2030 flagship project known as the Mombasa port improvement,” Kibati explained.

He said that the 240 meter long berth will significantly boost container handling operations at the port while enhancing regional trade facilitation and economic development.

The development of the new berth, which commenced in July 2011, has so far seen the total quay length of the Mombasa Container Terminal grow to 840 meters.

Linked to an associated stacking yard covering an approximate area of 15 acres, the berth will now afford KPA an additional container holding capacity of 200,000TEUs per year.

“By all means, such developments and recent funding commitments confirm that Vision 2030 will be realized with various implementing partners within government and related agencies playing a critical part,” Kibati said.

Upon completion of the project done by Japanese contractors it would speed up the delivery of cargo to Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, northern Tanzania, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia.