- The MD said that what sets the cranes apart is their advanced technology and capabilities
- The cranes have a span of 30.5 metres, a lifting height of 60 meters and an outreach of 62 metres with a back reach of 16 metres
Image: LABAN WALLOGA
The Kenya Ports Authority has installed three new ultra-modern Ship-to-Shore gantry cranes worth $31,493,808 (Sh4 billion) at the Lamu Port.
The STS cranes, imported from China, are expected to boost operations at Kenya’s second commercial port.
The vessel transporting the cranes, MV Zhen Hua 24, berthed at the Port of Lamu a week ago.
On Saturday, KPA managing director William Ruto, said the acquisition of the cranes will be a game changer for the port, as they expect a paradigm shift in transhipment business across the region.
“These cutting-edge cranes, equipped with advanced technology and capabilities, will revolutionise our operations and position the port as a global maritime hub,” Ruto said.
He said the procurement of the cranes underscores their commitment to managing their premier ports, which serve as vital gateways for regional and international trade.
Ruto said what sets the cranes apart is their advanced technology and capabilities.
“With a reach of 24 containers across and the ability to handle modern vessels over 18,000 TEUs, these cranes are equipped to compete with the best ports in the world and attract Super Post Panamax vessels,” he said.
“Furthermore, these cranes have been specifically designed to address the unique challenges posed by Lamu's windy conditions, with twin-box booms ensuring stability and operational reliability.”
The cranes have a span of 30.5 metre, a lifting height of 60 metres and an outreach of 62 metres with a back reach of 16 metres.
The Sh310 billion Lamu Port roared to life on May 20, 2021, after the operationalisation of the first berth by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
It became the second commercial port in Kenya and is expected to transform the shipping and maritime industry in Africa.
The port of Lamu is envisaged to have a total of 23 modern berths with a quay length of 400 metres each and a depth of minus 17.5 metres capable of accommodating Panamax and new Panamax vessels, with a capacity of over 10,000 TEUs.
Phase one of the project comprises three berths, while Phase two will have 16 berths; three bulk, three containers, six general cargo and one liquid bulk, one coal, one LNG and one product oil.
The final phase of Lamu port will see the construction of four berths comprising one container and three general cargo berths.
Since operationalisation of the port in May 2021, Lamu port has to date handled 59 vessels that called to the port making a substantial increase in cargo and container traffic.
Last year, the Port of Lamu handled 37,576 tonnes of cargo, marking a substantial increase from 6,539 tonnes in 2022, reflecting a growth of 31,037 tonnes.
Additionally, container traffic saw a significant rise, with 1,779 twenty-foot equivalent units recorded last year compared to 382 TEUs in 2022, representing an increase of 1,397 TEUs.
“These impressive statistics underscore the vital role that the Port of Lamu plays in facilitating trade and driving economic growth in the region,” Ruto said.
“With a total container capacity of 1.2 million TEUs across its three berths of 400 metres each, the Port is poised to become a key driver of economic growth and regional integration.”
The port serves as a critical pillar of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport corridor project and is expected to connect Kenya to South Sudan and Ethiopia.
It is also expected to link northern Kenya to the Middle Belt of Africa, which runs from Dakar, Senegal in the west to Lamu in the east.
The Lapsset corridor programme encompasses a vast network of infrastructure projects, including highways, railways and international airports.
“In addition to its role in facilitating trade, the Port of Lamu hosts and catalyses broader development initiatives, including the Lamu Special Economic Zone,” the KPA boss said.
“With objectives ranging from expanding production to promoting local entrepreneurship, SEZ holds the promise of unlocking Lamu's full economic potential.”