Plans are underway to commence the second phase of dredging at the Kilindini channel to accommodate bigger vessels into the Port of Mombasa.

Kenya Ports Authority chairman Danson Mungatana said phase II of the project will complement the first phase which was completed in 2012, leading to bigger vessels coming into the port.

Mungatana was speaking at the port on Monday during the launch of the Mombasa Port Community Charter, electronic dashboard and KPA strategic plan, all aimed at enhancing efficiency.

President Uhuru Kenyatta presided over the launch.

Phase I of the project cost of Sh5.9 billion with the government contributing Sh3 billion.

The channel, which was dredged to a minus 15 metres, saw the first largest ship-MV Maersk Cairo with a carrying capacity of 4,530 TEUs, call at the port of Mombasa in February.

The 249-metre long vessel with a width of 37.5m and a declared draft of 13.5m Wafmax commercial vessel, is the biggest ship in terms of capacity to ever dock in the East Africa shores.

“The Fruits of Phase I were immediately realised when we received MV Maersk Cairo. Phase II dredging is expected to be undertaken in due course,” Mungatana said.

He said infrastructure developments, which include the construction of Berth 19 and the increased length of container terminal at the port, have led to improved port capacity.

Source: The Star

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