KPA acquires locally built mooring boat to bolster marine operations in Lamu Port

SADIK HASSAN- KNA

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has acquired a locally built mooring boat in a move expected to promote locally manufactured products in the Blue Economy sector.

The boat, christened KMB-9, was built by the Southern Engineering Company (SECO) and the Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) at a record nine-month period at the cost of $2.040 (Sh264.18 million).

It measures 14.5m in length and features a twin-screw design, powered by two caterpillar engines (CAT C9.3 ACERT series), with a power rating of 310 kW at 2100rpm, with a design service speed of 10 knots.

“This new boat will boost our marine operations and elevate the overall efficiency of the Port,” said KPA Managing Director (MD) Capt. William Ruto during the reception of the boat.

He added that the construction of the marine craft locally aligns with the ‘Buy Kenya, Build Kenya’ government policy, geared towards promoting local manufacturing.

“The acquisition of this new mooring boat, KMB 9, represents a new beginning for many mariners in our country, bringing us closer to realizing the dream of a “Made in Kenya” marine vessel,” stated Capt. Ruto.

He further explained that the modern heavy-duty boat is easy to handle and is capable of withstanding rough weather at sea. It was specifically procured for the Port of Lamu which is exposed to such conditions.

Meanwhile, the MD said the Port of Mombasa has recorded a significant growth in cargo volumes over the years.

“This year we are on the verge of hitting the two million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit) mark. New and existing shipping lines serving the region through the Port have also introduced new services to the Port of Mombasa,” the KPA MD said.

In response to a surge in vessels calling to the Port of Mombasa, KPA management has prioritized the development of port infrastructure through capacity expansion programs and the acquisition and modernization of equipment to meet this growing demand.

The Authority has made substantial investments in the marine operations department boasting a fleet of six tugboats, four pilot boats, four mooring boats, two security patrol boats and one salvage tugboat.

SECO General Manager Sanjiv Nair thanked KPA for believing in a local company to construct a boat. Over the years the company has been waiting for the opportunity to demonstrate its prowess in shipbuilding.

“The mooring boat is 100 per cent built in Kenya by Kenyan technicians which proves that we have experts in this country, and we can deliver. This vessel has been delivered on time,” he said.

He added the company looks forward to building more sea vessels for KPA.

Fredrick Mutuku, Marine Officer of Bureau Veritas, an international certification company, said the vessel is built according to international standards and meets the government statutory requirements.