The Port of Mombasa / HANDOUT
The Port of Mombasa has set a new record for container handling after employees discharged more than 863 containers in a single shift.
The containers were discharged from the MV Aniello, a Panama-flagged container ship, an achievement that highlights the port’s growing operational capacity and efficiency.
The team then went on to discharge all 1,005 containers, completing the discharge within one and a half shifts.
“Kenya Ports Authority PLC chief executive officer William Ruto, personally piloted the MV Aniello through the Kilindini Channel before safely berthing the vessel at Berth NO. 22,” a statement from KPA said.
Ruto attributed the record-breaking performance to “modern cargo-handling equipment, a highly skilled and motivated workforce, technology-driven operational systems and ongoing process improvement initiatives.”
He said the combination of these investments had “significantly enhanced productivity and operational efficiency at the container terminal.”
Operations began at about 3:00 pm, bringing together vessel planners, crane operators, truck drivers, yard personnel and supervisors who worked in close coordination to maintain a seamless and continuous flow of cargo.
“Operating in four teams, the workforce maintained a continuous and highly productive workflow aimed at minimizing the vessel’s turnaround time,” the statement said.
“By 11:00pm, the team had surpassed the port’s previous record by discharging 863 containers within a single shift, setting a new benchmark for container-handling efficiency at the port.”
The achievement, according to the Kenya Ports Authority, “underscores the Port of Mombasa’s growing capacity to handle large cargo volumes efficiently” while reinforcing its competitiveness in the global maritime logistics industry.
The latest record comes at a time when ports globally are increasing pressure so as to handle the growing trade volumes while reducing the amount of time vessels spend in port.
“When it comes to shipping lines, fast vessel turnaround is vital as it can help reduce operating costs, maintain schedule reliability and improve overall service delivery,” Ruto said.
This achievement strengthens Mombasa’s role as a key gateway for regional and international trade.
This record also provides a measure of the impact of investments in equipment, technology and human capital as the Port of Mombasa seeks to continuously improve efficiency and strengthen its position within the global maritime logistics industry.
