Hapag-Lloyd expands East Africa operations as Kenya ports upgrade infrastructure | Food Business Middle East & Africa - No. 1 Food & Beverage Formulation, Processing & Packaging Publication
KENYA – Hapag-Lloyd is looking to expand its operations and increase its services in East Africa, building on its nine-year presence at the Port of Mombasa, as the shipping line seeks to strengthen its. . .
KENYA – Hapag-Lloyd is looking to expand its operations and increase its services in East Africa, building on its nine-year presence at the Port of Mombasa, as the shipping line seeks to strengthen its regional network and capitalize on Kenya’s ongoing infrastructure developments at both Mombasa and Lamu ports. The expansion plans were discussed during an engagement between Hapag-Lloyd Managing Director for East Africa Altamush Ahmed and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) CEO Capt. William Ruto. Hapag-Lloyd, which began operations at the Port of Mombasa nine years ago, is looking to build on its presence by expanding its operations and increasing its services in the region. Infrastructure Upgrades and Capacity EnhancementAccording to Ruto, KPA has made significant progress on several infrastructure projects at the Port of Mombasa. This includes the construction of Berth 19B, which is currently 40% complete. KPA is also developing Dongo Kundu Berth One and upgrading its terminal operating system as part of efforts to improve port operations and enhance efficiency. The authority is also finalizing the acquisition of new cargo-handling equipment for the Ports of Mombasa and Lamu. The infrastructure and technology investments are aimed at strengthening Kenya’s port capacity as cargo volumes and shipping activity across East Africa continue to grow. Port of Lamu Milestone and Regional SignificanceAround two months ago, Hapag-Lloyd’s 369-metre MV Baltimore Express became the largest vessel to dock at a port in East and Central Africa when it called at the Port of Lamu from Salalah, Oman. KPA highlighted Lamu’s 17. 5-metre natural harbour depth and 400-metre berths as key advantages for handling ultra-large vessels. Reposting the update, Ahmed said the Baltimore Express call showed Lamu could “handle scale” and that Hapag-Lloyd was keen to work with KPA to “turn capabilities into real opportunities. ”Economic ImpactFor shipping lines such as Hapag-Lloyd, additional berth capacity, upgraded terminal systems and improved cargo-handling capabilities could support more efficient operations and provide greater scope for service expansion. The engagement between Hapag-Lloyd and KPA comes as both parties seek to build on existing cooperation and ensure that port infrastructure and services keep pace with the requirements of shipping lines operating in the region. Finally, through these investments, both entities seek to transform maritime capabilities into tangible economic opportunities across the African continent. SignupHEREto receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on ourWhatsApp channelfor updates.