-KPA Managing Director Ruto say the port handled a total of 41.1 million tons of cargo, a significant rise from the 35.98 million tons registered in the corresponding period in 2023;
MAARUFU MOHAMED-GOLFNEWSLINKS;
Kenya’s Port of Mombasa has registered a remarkable increase in cargo throughout for the period January to December in the just concluded year 2024.
According to a ‘new year’ message just released by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Captain William Ruto, the port handled a total of 41.1 million tons of cargo, a significant rise from the 35.98 million tons registered in the corresponding period in 2023.
“This growth of 5.1 million tons, or 14.1 percent, demonstrates our resilience and capability to manage increasing trade volumes despite global disruptions. In terms of container traffic, we have recorded a significant milestone, surpassing over 2 million TEUs for the first time in over a decade, with a total of 2,005,076 TEUs handled in 2024,” said Ruto.
He pointed out that this represents an increase of 381,996 TEUs, or 23.5 percent rise compared to the 1,623,080 TEUs recorded in 2023 and noted that it is equally important to note that imports increased by 7.2 percent to 768,088 TEUs, up from 716,493 TEUs in 2023, while exports rose by 6.6 percent to 731,934 TEUs up from 686,526 TEUs in 2023.
Ruto said Transit cargo volumes scaled by 17.4 percent, to reach 13.4 million tons in 2024, highlighting the Port’s crucial role in regional trade.
“Uganda remains our top transit destination, accounting for 65.7 percent of our transit cargo with 8,811,289 tons handled in 2024 up from 7,115,079 tons processed in 2023 representing growth of 1,696,210, or 23.8 percent increase compared to 2023.Other notable transit destinations include South Sudan (12.7 percent), the Democratic Republic of Congo (11.8 percent), Rwanda (5.1 percent), and Tanzania (3.4 percent).Additionally, we saw exceptional growth in transshipment traffic, which recorded 491,666 TEUs in 2024, reflecting an extraordinary increase of 280,593 TEUs translating to 132.9 percent against 2023,”explained Ruto.
The Managing Director said this growth can be attributed to vessel diversions stemming from the Red Sea crisis and an increase in vessel calls to Mombasa driven by the Port’s efficient turnaround times.
He said the single month of December 2024, the port handled a total cargo throughput of 3,746,363 tons, marking a robust increase from the 3,029,482 tons recorded in December 2023.
Ruto said this remarkable rise of 716,881 tons translates to an approximate growth rate of 23.7%, showcasing the ports expanding capacity and efficiency.
“Equally, Container traffic experienced a significant upward trend in December 2024, with 188,495 TEUs processed compared to 152,326 TEUs handled in December 2023.This represents an increase of 36,169 TEUs, or 23.7%,” noted Ruto.
He further explained that Transshipment traffic recorded 42,681 TEUs in December 2024 against 33,929 TEUs witnessed in December 2023 which marks an increase of 8,752 TEUs, or 25.8%.
He said this Transit traffic registered 1,184,541 tons in December 2024, reflecting a major increase of 215,316 tons or 22.2 percent compared to 969,225 tons in the similar period in 2023.
“I would like to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and commitment of our staff and the support of Board, as well as enhanced operational efficiency and infrastructure upgrades that have vastly contributed to this impressive performance. As demonstrated above, it is gratifying to note that in the month of December 2024, we experienced strong performance which further bolstered our overall figures, “stated the Managing Director.
Ruto said the performance was enhanced by significant growth in containerized and bulk cargo volumes,
with transshipment traffic receiving a boost from some major shipping lines choosing Mombasa port as their transshipment hub thus enabling smaller feeder vessels to serve eastern, southern Africa ports as well as the Indian Ocean Islands from the port of Mombasa.
“We remain committed to enhancing our services and facilities to accommodate the growing global trade demand and to support the region’s economic development. Our ongoing investments in equipment replacement and modernization programme, infrastructure development and operations system upgrade ensure that the Port of Mombasa continues its upward trajectory as East Africa’s leading trade gateway, “said Ruto.
“Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to all industry players and stakeholders for their continued support in our efforts towards efficient service delivery and sustainability. We appreciate the Mombasa Port and Northern Corridor Community Charter (MPNCCC) stakeholders and our parent Ministry of Roads and Transport for their support. I am optimistic about the Port’s future as we work on capacity expansion development projects.
Ruto further emphasized that the Port of Mombasa remains a critical hub for East Africa regional trade, and its improved performance underscores its strategic importance in trade facilitation and connectivity throughout the region.
ENDS;
NOTE;
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