The port of Mombasa has continued to receive new entrant vessels and liners from global shipping lines making their debut calls at the port, with the latest being Jolly Oro, a full container vessel operated by the Mesina Line.
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.
Speaking to journalists at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 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.
Factors including 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 Ruto.
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.
Ruto says the port of Mombasa has adequately prepared to counter some of these challenges. The expansion of key berths at the port and 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 Ruto
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.
“We are investing a lot of resources especially in the container business and with the kind of efficiency and productivity shown by the port of Mombasa, Messina will continue to make it our port of choice,” said Riccardi.
By Andrew Hinga
