Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has acquired a Sh 1.4 billion state-of-the-art tug boat as part of the ongoing effort to equip and develop Lamu Port. Managing Director John Mwangemi said the tugboat boasts a bollard pull of 85 tonnes and a length overall of 29 metres.

“This Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) Tugboat was built by the Turkish company Med Marine in collaboration with the Kenya Shipyards Ltd at a cost of  Sh1.4 billion,” Mwangemi said.

The tug is also fitted with two Caterpillar main engine series CAT 3516C – HD, a screw Rolls Royce propulsion system, modern winches, and a firefighting system.

“Due to her superior features, MV Pate shall be able to handle port and marine operations for all kinds and sizes of vessels safely and efficiently and is estimated to serve the port for a period of 20 years.

Equally, KPA is in the tendering process for the planned acquisition of a Pilot boat and Mooring boat to further streamline marine operations at the Port of Lamu,” the MD noted at the function.

Captain Rahman Aydin who steered the tug boat from Eregli, Zonguldak at the Black Sea in Turkey, said their voyage took them roughly three months to call at the Port of Mombasa.