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Ships congestion hits Mombasa Port as shipping lines set to introduce a surcharge

A containerised ship off-loading cargo at Mombasa Port. PHOTO/KPA

By ABDULHAKIM SHERMAN

newshub@eyewitness.africa

The Port of Mombasa, East Africa’s busiest and most strategic maritime gateway, is grappling with severe congestion that has significantly delayed the off-loading of containerized ships.

The crisis has not only disrupted regional trade but also threatens to escalate operational costs for importers, with international shipping lines set to impose surcharges on cargo.

As of now, more than 22 ships loaded with diverse merchandise are waiting to berth at the port, while two vessels have been unable to discharge their cargo for nearly two weeks despite being docked. The congestion has sparked discontent among shipping lines, prompting them to notify the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) of an impending surcharge of USD 500 per container.

This penalty, slated to take effect on January 13th, aims to address the delays affecting cargo clearance. Shippers (importers) are expected to pass the extra costs to consumers thereby resulting in high consumer prices.

It is not clear what is causing delays in cargo clearance at Mombasa Port, although officials of shipping lines who spoke to us said it was the interference with a long standing agreement ship berthing protocols at the port. Efforts to talk to KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto, were unsuccessful.

Our preliminary investigations and insights from industry stakeholders suggest multiple factors at play. Shipping line officials say the interference with long-standing ship berthing agreements that designed to ensure the orderly docking of vessels based on cargo type, vessel size, and arrival times is one reason adding that any deviation from these agreements could lead to inefficiencies in ship handling and scheduling.

Man on the spot: KPA managing director Capt William Ruto. PHOTO/KPA

They added the Port of Mombasa, despite its status as a regional hub, has faced challenges in expanding its capacity to match growing trade volumes. Limited berths, outdated handling equipment, and inadequate storage facilities may have compounded the congestion.

“A possible shortage of skilled personnel to handle increased ship traffic and cargo processing could be slowing down operations,” another maritime official who talked on condition that he is not named said.

However, other maritime officials said the congestion at Mombasa is not isolated, as nearby ports such as Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania and Beira and Nacala in Mozambique are also experiencing delays.

This development suggests broader regional challenges in maritime logistics, potentially driven by: a surge in trade volumes during the post-pandemic economic recovery period and insufficient regional coordination in managing shipping schedules and cargo clearance.

A Mombasa based ship agent said inefficiencies in customs clearance procedures, coupled with bureaucratic red tape, often lead to extended dwell times for cargo at the port. These delays ripple through the system, slowing down the entire supply chain.

He added that the end-of-year festive season may have contributed to increased cargo traffic, overwhelming existing port infrastructure and staffing levels.

An international website that tracks the movement of ships around the world, shows ships waiting outside the Port of Mombasa. PHOTO/UGC.

The ongoing congestion has far-reaching implications for trade and economic stability as the USD 500 surcharge per container will raise costs for businesses relying on imported goods, which may, in turn, affect consumer prices.

Prolonged delays might prompt shipping lines to divert vessels to alternative ports, reducing Mombasa’s competitiveness as a regional hub and delayed cargo clearance can disrupt supply chains, particularly for time-sensitive goods such as perishable items and industrial inputs.

A maritime logistics expert in Mombasa said to address the crisis, immediate and long-term measures are essential saying KPA should engage shipping lines, customs officials, and other stakeholders to restore order in berthing protocols and streamline cargo clearance processes.

The logistics expert said expanding berth capacity, upgrading cargo-handling equipment, and modernizing storage facilities are critical for coping with increasing trade volumes.

Implementing advanced port management systems can optimize operations and reduce human-driven inefficiencies,” he said.

He noted that strengthening partnerships with neighbouring ports and regional bodies can enhance logistical efficiency and reduce systemic bottlenecks.

The congestion at the Port of Mombasa underscores the urgent need for enhanced operational efficiency and infrastructure development to sustain its role as a vital trade hub in East Africa.

Addressing these challenges will require concerted efforts from KPA, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to restore normalcy and boost the region’s economic resilience.

 

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