Kenya Ports Authority bets on modern diesel electric cranes to bolster efficiency in handling cargo at Mombasa Port
Kenya Ports Authority’s (KPA) equipment acquisition efforts for the Port of Mombasa has received a major boost following the arrival of two ultra-modern diesel electric cranes.
The cranes funded by TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) through the UK government’s International Climate Fund (ICF) facility were procured at a total cost of $8.7 million.
The two portal harbor cranes are part of a comprehensive programme in supporting the Port of Mombasa’s resilient port infrastructure initiatives. These cranes are aimed at mitigating the negative effects on the environment. They are a first of their kind to be deployed in East and Southern Africa.
The cranes will provide dust and spillage-free unloading through a dust control system that minimizes escape of dust during discharge and reduces running expenses on average by 30%. The Eco Hoppers will complement mobile harbour cranes for dry bulk cargo handling.
Unlike the Mobile Harbor Cranes currently used at the Port which handle one vessel at a time, the new cranes will handle two vessels simultaneously.
KPA General Managers Eng. Joseph Atonga (Engineering Services), Mr. Sudi Mwasinago (Operations) and TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) Kenya Country Director Mr. Ahmed Farah witnessed the offloading of the equipment at the Port of Mombasa’s Berth No. 10.
The Government of Kenya has made it a priority to continually invest in infrastructural development of the Port of Mombasa and made progress in the modernisation of the Port. Some of the key projects include the construction of the phase 1 of the Second Container Terminal which increased the port’s annual capacity by 550,000 TEUs, the construction of Berth No. 19, and the dredging of the entrance channel which has enabled the Port to handle larger vessels.
TMEA has been working closely with KPA to implement short-term and high impact projects including the improvement of Gate 18/20 which enhanced Port access as well as the upgrading of Yard 5 which increased capacity at the Port.
KPA through support from TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) has developed a green port policy which seeks to position the Port of Mombasa as a leading world port providing sound stewardship and management of the environment affected by port operations.
The strategy highlights the need to place people first, while addressing the negative impacts occasioned by port operations as well placing a premium on technology-rich and sustainable port operations.
