Port of Call: Mombasa, Kenya
Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya and is home to the country’s largest port. Strategically located along the coast of the Indian Ocean in central eastern Africa, the port of Mombasa has served as an important regional hub to its landlocked neighboring countries of Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo since the 19th century. Starting in 1895, international trade through Mombasa expanded with the completion of an inter-connected railway from the port into the interior of Kenya and eastern Africa. After gaining independence in 1963, Kenya began the process of turning the port of Mombasa into a modern-day international port. In 1975 the first container terminals were opened and international shipping services into Mombasa began.
Today, the port of Mombasa is operated by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and handles over 14 million tons of cargo. Mombasa is capable of handling international container and roll-on / roll-off cargo. International heavy equipment and construction equipment shipping to Mombasa from the USA arrives on specialized ro/ro and break bulk carriers. In addition to roll-on / roll-of service, commercial goods such as machinery and donation goods are shipped inside containers to the port of Mombasa from the USA. In order to handle the influx of cargo into the port, over $80 million was invested into the expansion of the port. In 2013 a new berth was opened capable of handling some of the largest ships in the industry.
Some notable features of the port of Mombasa, Kenya:
- The port of Mombasa is the only international seaport in Kenya.
- Mombasa is located on a natural deep-water inlet called Kilindini Harbor, one of few natural deep water ports in Africa.
- Overseas vehicle shipping, construction equipment and heavy equipment shipping is available to the port of Mombasa on roll-on / roll-off vessels.
- In 2016 the first phase of another terminal is expected to be completed with an additional 3 berths added.
For more information about shipping to the port of Mombasa, Kenya, visit the Kenya Port Authority (KPA) Page. As a leading international shipping company, we provide cost effective and reliable international container, heavy machinery and construction equipment shipping services up to Mombasa, Kenya from the United States. For more information on international shipping services or to receive a shipping quote to Kenya, visit our rates request pages.
