The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is investing Sh2.7 billion in a massive handling equipment upgrade at the Lamu sea port.
KPA says the multi-billion-shilling investment programme at the Lamu Port code-named Lamu South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset), corridor seeks to increase capacity and improve operational efficiency.
LAPSSET is a crucial Kenya Vision 2030 flagship project and is expected to transform regional economies through increased trade, integration and interconnectivity spanning South Sudan and landlocked Ethiopia and beyond.
In a bid to improve the efficiency of port operations, KPA is procuring a range of new equipment to better handle the increase in general and containerized cargo at the country’s second commercial seaport after the Port of Mombasa.
The marine equipment set for the acquisition includes three mobile cranes, three ship-to-shore gantry cranes (STS), three rubber-tyred gantry cranes and four-terminal tractors.
The top-of-the-range port equipment aims to continuously welcome large vessels, reduce the waiting time of ships in port, speed of operations and increase productivity.
KPA General Manager for Operations, Sudi Mwasinago, says the new equipment is expected to enhance the productivity and safety of port operations and reduce vessel turnaround times at the Lamu Port.
Mwasinago said these acquisitions aim to ensure a sustainable and reliable service and continuously improve customer satisfaction, as well as increase the handling capacity of container traffic.
“We expect the new equipment will help us improve our operational efficiency, productivity and meet the surging demand from clients,” KPA General Manager for Operations, Sudi Mwasinago.
Addressing journalists during a tour of port facilities in Mombasa and Nairobi, Mwasinago said the Lamu Port was expected to operate optimally after the completion of the road and rail infrastructure upgrade that will help in the evacuation of cargo.
He contended that the handling equipment modernization will increase the Lamu port’s competitiveness and allow it to handle higher tonnage vessels in the long run.
The KPA official added that lately, the Authority has invested heavily in port expansion projects that have greatly improved efficiency and boosted capacity at the port of Mombasa.
“The improved infrastructure projects have helped alleviate port congestion that has plagued businesses and enhanced container traffic at the port.” KPA General Manager for Operations, Sudi Mwasinago.
Meanwhile, the evacuation of cargo by Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has significantly contributed to the speedy import container deliveries from the port of Mombasa to the hinterland.
