Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Captain William Ruto during a past event/FILEThe Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has made major strides in its modernisation programme, with the Port of Mombasa recently receiving 10 new rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes.
The specialised cargo vessel MV YU AN berthed at Mombasa with the shipment of RTGs, each capable of lifting up to 45 tonnes.
The cranes are fitted with hybrid engines, underscoring KPA’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly port operations.
KPA Managing Director William Ruto said the equipment upgrade is part of a broader plan to enhance efficiency, reduce cargo dwell time, and improve vessel turnaround.
“These cranes will complement the existing fleet, boost productivity at the berths, and ensure that the Port of Mombasa maintains its position as the region’s leading trade hub,” Ruto said.
Meanwhile, the Port of Lamu is experiencing its busiest transshipment season yet.
A fleet of ten container ships led by French shipping giant CMA CGM recently docked marking a major milestone for the country’s newest deep-water port.
This fulfilled the management's pledge to anchor Lamu’s role in regional and international trade.
The CMA CGM’s MV Lobivia sailed into the Port of Lamu from the Port of Mombasa, carrying 592 containers.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) General Manager for Lamu, Capt. AbdulAziz Mzee, said the traffic at the facility is at an all-time high, adding that more shipping lines have expressed interest in deploying ultra-large vessels to Lamu.
“The interest we are seeing shows confidence in Lamu Port’s strategic location and superior infrastructure.Our 400-metre berths and wide turning basin allow us to handle modern, ultra-large vessels that are driving the future of global shipping,” Capt. Mzee said.
The increased calls follow two historic milestones in recent weeks.
MV Nagoya became the longest vessel ever to dock at an East African port, measuring 335 metres.
This is followed the arrival of 299-metre-long MV Tolten, reinforcing the Lamu port’s capacity to handle big ships.
KPA Managing Director William Ruto said the authority is advancing the acquisition of more modern equipment to meet growing business demand and ensure efficiency.
He added that Lamu Port’s role in unlocking the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor makes its expansion efforts a national priority.
The Master of MV Lobivia, Capt. Victor Bushyn, received a certificate of first call from KPA, marking the vessel’s maiden voyage to Lamu.
