Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is banking on the South Korean market to increase revenue and remain competitive within the region.

This was disclosed when the Korea Marine Transport Container (KMTC) Shipping Line deployed its first-ever vessel to the African continent choosing the Port of Mombasa as the first port of call.

MV KMTC Hochmanh made a maiden call yesterday with 1,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) for the local and transit market, affirming the strategic position of the port as a shipping and maritime hub and a preferred port of call for shipping lines.

Cargo volumes

Kenya ports Authority Managing Director William Ruto who held a brief ceremony to welcome the new vessel said the call also signals the growth of the region and the country as the traffic in cargo volumes increases.

“This is a welcome development and an affirmation of the consistent initiatives to improve capacity and efficiency at the port. When shipping lines come it means traffic is growing and the Port has enough resources to serve the growing demand,” he said.

Mayur Udyawar, KMTC General Manager noted that the shipping line chose Kenya as the gateway through Africa as it looks to expand its operations and business in the continent. “We opted for the Port of Mombasa because of its productivity and efficiency since we started operations in 2021,” he said during a media briefing held at Berth no.22.

Udyawar noted that since the Shipping Line entered the market two years ago, it has been collaborating with other shipping lines to move cargo for its customers to the region, with MV KMTC Hochimihn becoming the first vessel under the line to ply the Southeast Asia- East Africa route.

“We are happy with the growth and with the deployment of this vessel, we are positive we will handle more cargo,” he added.

KPA chairman Benjamin Tayari said with the acquisition of new and modern equipment coupled with expanded capacity through berth no 22, it has opened for business. “The Port of Mombasa has witnessed an increase in shipping lines operation at the port, with the introduction of new vessels and service lines to operate in the East Africa region,” he said.

On Sunday January 14, the longest cruise liner for this cruise ship season, Norwegian Dawn is set to make its maiden call at the Mombasa port with 2,000 tourists aboard.

The ship is currently in Seychelles. According to the official website, the ship boasts of the largest suites at sea spanning up to 6,693 square feet, these rooms include king- or queensize beds, separate living and dining areas, luxury baths and private balconies.

All Garden Villas come with a certified butler and concierge services. It has an overall length of 294 metres, and a guest capacity of 2,340 and 1,032 crew members.

The cruise ship that entered service in 2002 and is in operation with Norwegian Cruise Line which announced that the liner will dock at the Mombasa port on Sunday, January 14.