-Magellan introduces new service line, Emirates Shipping line Tours Nairobi facilities, KPA to enhance end to end logistics,Lamu port Engineers successfully offloads second harbor mobile crane, and KPA introduces a wellness program targeting Children;
MAARUFU MOHAMED-GOLFNEWSLINKS;
Magellan Logistics, a subsidiary of Volta Container Liner based in the UAE has introduced a new service line at the Port of Mombasa in Kenya.
Through vessel Onyx which called the Port of Mombasa for the first time, the container line now commences a new service that will cover the sub-continent of India and the East African Region.
The new service line will operate within the ports of Mundra in Gujarat which is a major economic gateway that caters to the northern hinterland of India, Nhava Sheva port in India, Jebel Ali in UAE, Port of Mombasa and finally Dar-Es-Salaam port.
The 197 metres long vessel with a draught of eleven meters will offload 500 TEUs and load 416 TEUs.
KPA’s Managing Director Captain William Ruto presented a certificate of first call to the Vessel’s Captain Deepak Khanduri.
In the same week, The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Emirates Shipping Line, Mr. Till Ole Barrelet led a top management delegation in visiting the Inland Container Depot Nairobi where he was received by Principal Port Operations Officer, Mr. Daniel Gathira.
The delegation was impressed by the ongoing Port Projects and the efficiency brought about by automation of cargo clearance processes by KPA and other partner agencies involved in cargo evacuation.
He also reiterated the need for Emirates Shipping Line and KPA to work hand in hand to ensure service delivery at a competitive rate.
Mr. Till was accompanied by the Manager Trade Management Ms. Vicki Cumming, Co. Director Mr.Jost Doehle and General Manager Kenya Mr. Niroshan Jayasinghe.
Elsewhere KPA is laying out a strategy to enhance end-to-end logistics to the hinterlands and the transit markets for users of port facilities.
During a courtesy call by the Ugandan Consul General Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, KPA MD Captain William Ruto assured the Ambassador of streamlined services along the logistics chain to enhance efficiency and reduce cost of doing business along the northern corridor.
Other than embracing technology in managing billing for clients, KPA has also enhanced cargo processing and tracking services through platforms like e-citizen for local and transit customers.
KPA in collaboration with the government is also working to remove some of the non-tariff barriers that stifle competitiveness of the northern corridor, which is one of the major arteries to the east and Central African region.
While in a major milestone for the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), engineers successfully offloaded the second Harbor Mobile crane (HMC) at Lamu Port Berth 3.
The HMC, a Gottwald Konecranes model ESP7, marks a significant upgrade from the previous ESP6 model.
The ESP7 mobile harbor crane represents the latest cutting-edge technology in port handling equipment. With its advanced features and enhanced capabilities, it is set to revolutionize cargo operations at Lamu Port.
Eng. Felix Ongwen Manager Engineering Projects said The ESP7 boasts an impressive lifting capacity of 120 tones and will increase overall operational efficiency both in Lamu and Mombasa.
Additionally, being a maiden voyage for MV UHL Finnesse and fitting tradition, a certificate of first call was presented to the elated captain Ivan Mayer.
This was a historic moment at the KPA as MV UHL Finesse arrived, carrying the first-ever “made for Lamu Port” mobile harbor cranes (HMCs). Captain Isaac Tulula, a skilled KPA pilot, navigated the ship to successfully dock at Lamu Port’s impressive 400-meter Berth number 1.
These state-of-the-art HMCs were manufactured in Germany and come at a total cost of $27,207,557.47.
A significant investment, they are designed specifically for the needs of Lamu Port.
Out of the five HMCs, three are destined for Lamu while the remaining two will be stationed at Mombasa Port.
This milestone is expected to enhance the capabilities of the Lamu Port, as these electronic-powered HMCs provide more efficiency and reliability compared to the previous hydraulic-powered ones.
Each crane has a lifting capacity of 100 tones, further expanding the port’s capacity for handling larger cargo vessels.
The introduction of these new cranes is a positive projection for Lamu Port, as it is anticipated that more vessels will be encouraged to call at the port, attracted by the reliable electronic equipment. This development marks a significant step forward in Lamu’s journey to become a major maritime hub in the region.
The investment in modern infrastructure and equipment showcases the commitment of Kenya and the KPA to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of their ports. The arrival of these HMCs at Lamu Port is a testament to the continuous growth and development of Kenya’s maritime sector, opening up new opportunities for trade and economic prosperity.
And finally KPA has introduced a wellness program targeting children ages five years and below.
Medical services Division in partnership with private health providers conducted a full body screening to check on the health status of the children and advise on nutritional needs.
As part of wellness for the young children, the Authority will now be conducting the exercise annually to ensure early detection and intervention initiatives so that the children grow up healthy and free of diseases.
ENDS;