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Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is in the process of implementing the Green Port Policy (GPP) which involves disposal of asbestos roofing and a requirement that all ships calling at the Port of Mombasa switch off their engines.

The policy which has about 10 components aims at enhancing environmental conservation by reducing carbon emissions, protecting people from the harmful substances and improving the quality of water, air, soil and environmental habitats.

KPA Principal Environment Officer Daniel Githinji says that so as to reduce carbon emissions, KPA will be providing ships docking at the Port of Mombasa with shore power as part of its green port policy.

The project, which is being carried out with assistance from TradeMark East Africa, includes provision of electrical power to ships calling at the harbour in what is known as “cold ironing”.

Port berths

Githinji says KPA is setting up power sub-stations within the port berths.

The GPP project also involves tree planting, rain water harvesting and installation of solar panel on KPA buildings, setting up of a multipurpose, multi-directional and eco-friendly conveyor belt system for Mombasa Port.

 Other components include implementation of ISO 14001, Environmental Management Systems and ISO 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System and installation of harbour mobile crane and Eco Hoppers.

Githinji adds that the projects will reduce carbon footprint progressively. As part of this green port policy project, in September Kenya Ports Authority bought two ultra-modern diesel electric cranes. KPA is also putting up terraces in steep areas and undertaking water quality monitoring to ensure no contamination.

KPA, according to Githinji  has an obligation to protect the environment and this requires that it complies with national and international standards. “We are working with port operators, port users and tenants to accomplish improvement,” he says.