Kenya Ports Authority has stepped up efforts to improve operations at the Port of Mombasa with the introduction of two new all-purpose tugboats, in a move expected to boost marine safety, efficiency and fast vessel turnaround at the busy gateway.
The arrival of MV Manda and MV Mrembo forms part of a wider modernisation programme aimed at upgrading port services and preparing for expanding maritime traffic across the region.
The two vessels are designed to handle a range of tasks including pilotage, towing, rescue support and environmental incidents within the harbour. KPA said the deployment of the tugboats represents a clear investment in strengthening the country’s marine assets and supporting growing trade routes through Mombasa.
According to the Authority, the new vessels will play an important role in improving coordination of ship movements and handling emergencies at sea. "The boats will improve vessel handling capacity and reduce turnaround time for ships calling at the port," the Authority noted.
In a statement, KPA said the tugboats will bring higher reliability in navigation and ensure port operations run smoothly as vessel numbers and cargo volumes increase. "They will support safe navigation, enhance emergency response, and ensure faster vessel movement to bolster trade efficiency," it added.
Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director William Rutto led the reception of the vessels during an official commissioning event attended by senior port officials.
The Authority noted that the modern fleet capacity reflects continued investment to keep Mombasa competitive and attractive to shipping lines serving Eastern and Central Africa.
MV Manda and MV Mrembo are fitted with advanced maritime technology suitable for multiple harbour duties. Each vessel is equipped with modern navigation systems, powerful winches for towing, a heavy-duty knuckle-boom crane for port and offshore tasks, and systems designed to stop oil spills and safeguard the ocean environment.
The tugboats also carry firefighting systems capable of responding to emergencies within the port and along nearby coastal waters, strengthening the port’s rescue and safety readiness.
With the two vessels now fully in service, port officials expect better coordination of vessel traffic and quicker processing of ships arriving and departing.
The Authority also targets improved preparedness in dealing with marine incidents, environmental threats and harbour emergencies.
The expansion of the marine fleet forms part of KPA’s long-term drive to enhance capacity and maintain smooth port activity as trade rises. The addition of the tugboats is expected to bring confidence among shipping operators and contribute to better trade flow through Kenya’s main seaport.
