MD’S MESSAGE

The maritime industry is steadily showing indications of recovery from the economic downturn that drastically affected most economies in 2008. Although we have not reached a predictable trend of our industry, forecasts based on shipping sector point to brighter times ahead.

In 2010, world trade grew positively by 13.5 percent.  Correspondingly, global container traffic registered a growth of 8 percent. This has prompted some port development and expansion programs. Equipment manufacturers have also introduced better and higher performing machines to meet customer demand while the largest container ship in the world with 18,000 TEUs capacity is now under construction, ready for delivery by 2015.
At the same time, international terminal operators have stepped in especially in some parts of Asia to boost port capacity and drive investment in the industry’s specialized areas. Of essence to the Port of Mombasa is the resurgence of increased cargo volumes and introduction of bigger carriers which require greater depth and longer quay. To cope with the foreseen developments, there is a need to undertake dredging of the channel and widening of the turning basin.
To facilitate full realization of the benefits associated with bigger vessels and draft, it is equally important to provide longer quay to accommodate the longer vessels. In this regard, Mombasa container terminal will be extended by 160 meters to provide a total quay length of 760 meters that can berth three third generation container vessels that are 235 meters long.
In the meantime, we have instituted pertinent measures to ensure sustained quality service. These include; automation of key port services, improved security, ISO certification, embracement of 24/7 work schedule, use of private container freight stations, enhanced stakeholder engagement, acquisition of new equipment, container yard expansion and continued staff training to improve skills.

Besides the two projects we are launching today, we have scheduled to buy more equipment to complement investments in civil works, construct a second container terminal and closely liaise with anchor stakeholders to successfully implement the last phase of our ICT strategy- the National Single Window System. All these developments are geared towards serving maritime trade better and efficiently and realization of Vision 2030.
ENDS