The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is rushing against time to remove bottlenecks and increase efficiency at the port of Mombasa in an effort to attract new liners from delays in other regional ports.
The port of Mombasa has continued to receive new vessels and liners from global shipping lines with the latest being MV Jolly Oro, a full container vessel operated by the Messina Line which made its debut last week.
The port is also expected to receive more cargo vessels after two top global shipping lines; Maersk and CMA CGM suspended their operations to Durban South Africa due to increased delays and inefficiencies which will result in the two companies focusing to East African ports.
Speaking to journalists at their Kipevu headquarters, KPA Managing Director (MD) Capt. William Ruto said that the port has begun to attract new key players in the maritime and shipping line space, who previously did not conduct business at the port.
The MD attributed this shift and appeal to the efficiency the Mombasa port has exhibited in comparison to other ports in the region.
Low turn-around time, investment in advanced technology, equipment and human capacity are among the driving factors that have seen the port gain an edge. “We are seeing global shipping lines diversify to offer new lines of services in our port, which is informed by the kind of efficiency we have demonstrated. We have received a number of maiden voyages and expect more this December,” said Mr Ruto.
International shipping lines have continued to express confidence in the port of Mombasa with this being a concise indication of the efficiency and productivity the port offers.
With a number of ports around the region experiencing a myriad of challenges occasioned by fluctuating global economic dynamics, congestion stands out as the main challenge that has slowed down business, leaving many shipping lines stranded.
Mr Ruto says the port of Mombasa has adequately prepared to counter some of these challenges.
The expansion of key berths at the port and the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment have seen the port continue to operate at optimum levels.
“Berth occupancy has increased to more than 82 percent thanks to the expansion of key berths including our new berth number 22 and the streamlining of other terminals has greatly increased efficiency and productivity,” added Capt Ruto.
Principal Secretary State Department for East African Community Abdi Dubat said Kenya has reduced a number of bottlenecks in the logistics sector hence attracting more business.
Mr Dubat said several bold policy steps have been taken including the reduction of roadblocks, initiation and operationalisation of Electronic Drivers’ and Cargo Tracking System (EDCTS), adoption and the use of Virtual and Weighing-in-Motion Weighbridges.
Others which have made the logistics sector more efficient include the establishment and operationalisation of One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) at major points of entry/exit (PoEs) including Malaba; Busia; Katuna-Gatuna; Nemba-Gasenyi; Elegu-Nimule and Mpondwe borders.
“The Government will continue working with stakeholders to ensure that the Northern Corridor attains world-class efficiency in the short term while simultaneously addressing any drawbacks that have impacted its efficiency including delays at points of entry, cargo theft, procrastination and other malevolent externalities,” said Mr Dubat.
He added, “Government is determined to ensure that there is efficiency on the Northern Corridor and evince its importance in integrating the region’s economy while connecting it to its sister Central Corridor which runs from the Port of Dar es Salaam to the hinterland in the region.”
Ignazio Messina line ports, terminals and logistics worldwide manager Massimiliano Riccardi lauded the swift operations the Messina line has experienced over the time they have used the port.
He said that the Messina line will continue to call on the port of Mombasa because it has proven to be the most efficient in the region given the challenges ports are experiencing.
