MOMBASA, Kenya, Oct 25 – One of the biggest vessels docked at the Port of Mombasa delivering 3,194 containers to the country.
The 300-metre long MSC Maxime docked at the second container terminal and has offloaded the cargo at the Port’s record of 181 containers per hour.
Kenya Ports Authority Head of Container Operations, Patrick Makau, says the increasing number of large vessels docking at the Port is a testament of the expanding capability of the facility.
“It is a big honor to KPA as we keep on accommodating bigger and bigger vessels. We have grown as a port over the period and our volumes have also gone up and that translates to KPA doing good business,” said Makau.
MSC Maxine, which is operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), made its maiden voyage to the port of Mombasa loaded with over 3,194 total equivalent units (TEUs).
The vessel, which is registered and sailing under flag of Panama, has a gross tonnage of 94,469 and deadweight is 110,629, making it among the biggest ships in the world with a capacity of over 6,000 containers.
Makau said the recent upgrading of the port’s handling equipment has enabled the facility to handle much bigger vessels and perform more moves within an hour.
In April this year, KPA received its first ever 6,000 TEUs series container carrier MV. MSC Portugal.
MV. MSC Portugal had a length overall of 304.07 meters making her the longest and wider container ship to call at the port.
