Mombasa Port Set for Record Growth: Projected to Handle 1.8 Million TEUs

Agencies Fail to Implement House Recommendations

December 19, 2024

Bid to Alter Unclaimed Assets Law Rejected

December 19, 2024

The Port of Mombasa is projected to handle 1.8 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) by the end of this year. KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto highlighted this achievement, noting that the port surpassed one million TEUs, reaching 1,003,208 TEUs as of July 12.
Ruto attributed the port’s success to modernization efforts, a dedicated workforce, and enhanced operational efficiency. “As of yesterday, we crossed the one million TEUs mark,” he stated. “Our target for this year is 1.8 million TEUs, reflecting over a 10% growth compared to last year.”
During the inaugural visit of MV Ever Vim at the port, Ruto emphasized the positive performance trend. In 2023, the port handled 1.6 million TEUs, a significant increase from 1.45 million TEUs in 2022. He remarked, “Initially, growth was only 0.4%, but this year we have consistently broken records.”
In May, the port achieved a record of 176,000 TEUs, averaging about 6,000 TEUs processed daily. Ruto commended the KPA staff for their commitment, stating, “Such performance is only possible with a dedicated workforce.”
Confidence in the Port of Mombasa is growing among shipping lines, as Ruto noted that the waiting time for ships to berth has been reduced to less than a day. “This vessel arrived on Friday and began unloading on Saturday, with operations expected to be completed in three days,” he explained.
MV Ever Vim, a newly built vessel by Evergreen Marine Corporation, is the 12th first-time caller at the port this year. With a capacity of 3,110 TEUs, it highlights the port’s attractiveness to major shipping lines. Ruto noted that Mombasa handles business for the top 10 shipping lines globally due to their confidence in its efficiency.
Evergreen Shipping Line representative Amr Abdesalam praised the port’s operations, stating, “The performance of the port speaks volumes. Previously, we waited over five days, but now it’s reduced to less than two.” He affirmed that the port’s improvements have led to increased vessel traffic, reinforcing Mombasa’s status as a premier shipping destination in Africa.