The newly acquired modern crane to boast the port of Mombasa; CS Murkomen

The newly acquired state-of-the-art four Ship-to-Shore Gantry cranes (STS) will bolster the Port of Mombasa’s efficiency, says Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Kipchumba Murkomen.

Speaking at the Port of Mombasa on Monday where he was accompanied by KPA Board of Directors Chairman Benjamin Tayari and KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto to witness the offloading of the STS at berth number 16 CS Murkomen said the cranes herald a new dawn in port efficiency and modernization.

The arrival of the four STS follows the decommissioning of the previous equipment, which served the port for the past nineteen years.

“This is one of the most striking advancements these cranes bring in the domain of speed. As the heartbeat of efficiency, these new cranes boast a remarkable hoisting speed of 80 meters per minute, effortlessly lifting a maximum of 65 tons in a twin lift motion,” said CS.

This achievement outpaces the capabilities of their predecessors, which held a hoisting speed of 70 meters per minute additionally, the trolley speed of these modern giants clocks in at an impressive 240 meters per minute, compared to the previous 180 meters per minute confirmed CS Murkomen.

According to the statement released, the four STS have a capacity of handling bigger vessels of 21 containers compared to the old which was handling 18 across.

“The acceleration of speed is a reflection of our pursuit of excellence, of our unwavering commitment to minimizing downtime and of our dedication to serving the needs of global trade with precision,” Murkomen stated.

The Port of Mombasa currently boasts a contingent of 16 STSs, 25 Reach stackers, with four more anticipated, and a fleet of 27 Empty Container Handlers to be procured.

During the brief, Murkomen disclosed that the Port of Lamu is set to receive three Ship-to-Shore Gantry cranes as a result of the acquisition of modern equipment

However, Murkomen has revealed that Port of Mombasa in the first half of 2023 has recorded a remarkable increase of 3.3 percent Cargo handling has surged from 17.48 million tons handled in 2022 to 18.06 million tons Container traffic recorded an increase of 8.5 per cent rising from 722,063 TEUs to 783,125 TEUs.

“These numbers reflect our strategic dedication, paving the way for promising growth. Our projection of handling 34.5 million tons 1.4 percent increased more than 2022 and 1.56

millionTEUs 7.7 percent growth from 2022) underscores our unwavering commitment to progress,” added Murkomen.

The CS noted that investment in modern equipment resonates with KPA’s commitment to meet the ever-evolving needs of partners, stakeholders, and the global trade network.

“As we embrace these four new cranes, we are not merely acquiring equipment; we are fostering our capacity to handle current trade volumes while seamlessly embracing future growth, We stand as a beacon, illuminating the path for imports and exports, igniting economic prosperity not only within our nation but throughout the region.” Concluded Murkomen.