Mathias Ringa
4 November 2008
Nairobi — The Kenya Ports Authority managing director has urged the government to prioritise setting up of the proposed Lamu port.
The new facility, when complete, will handle larger ships than the Mombasa port, said Mr James Mulewa.
The MD said that currently, ship builders in the world are making larger vessels that the Mombasa port will not be able to handle because its harbour depth is 12 metres compared to Lamu which has a natural 18-metre depth.
Large vessels
"Ship builders are now making large vessels which can carry between 8,000 TEUs and 10,000 TEUs whereas the Mombasa port has the capacity of receiving ships which can carry only 2,000 TEUs," Mr Mulewa said.
He added: "Even if the dredging project takes place next year the harbour's depth will increase from 12 metres to 15 metres where it will just handle vessels with cargo not exceeding 4,000 twenty feet eqivalent units (TEU). But the proposed Lamu port will be able to handle large vessels with between 8,000 TEUs to 10,000 TEUs."
Best harboursSpeaking to the Daily Nation on Tuesday, Mr Mulewa said Lamu has the potential to host one of the best harbours in Africa as it has a wider channel compared to the Mombasa port which has a restrictive one.
"In a few years to come, Mombasa port will be reduced to receiving smaller ships as its harbour depth cannot be dredged to 18 metres. To overcome this drawback the government has to embark on the proposed Lamu port since its a
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