Increased imports invigorate the operations of Cold Storage Facilities.
Mombasa, Kenya – The port of Mombasa is gearing up for significant changes as it aims to strengthen its supply chain and prevent recurring congestion during peak seasons. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is supporting the construction of a new berth, 350 metres long with a 15-metre draught, but as of now, construction has yet to commence.
Meanwhile, nearly 50 vessels are scheduled to dock at the port over the coming two weeks, and the expansion of Container Freight Stations (CFSs) is already underway. These CFSs have transformed into full-fledged logistical hubs, offering services like bonded warehousing, distribution, and value-added logistics.
The latest wave of investments in CFSs is viewed as an insurance policy against a repeat of the congestion debacle that crippled port operations in 2008. Three CFSs have been commissioned in Mombasa, adding 150,000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) of capacity to the logistics chain. The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and shipping companies such as CMA CGM are involved in the expansion of container operations in Mombasa, having added capacity with investments like ten new rubber-tyred gantry cranes to increase yard efficiency.
However, Mombasa handled more than 2 million TEUs in 2024, surpassing its designed capacity. To address this issue, the Phase Three of the Second Container Terminal, which would add 500,000 TEUs of capacity, is planned but has yet to start. Other projects, such as Berth 19B at Container Terminal One, are still at the contract stage.
Industry experts caution that unless capacity is scaled up quickly, the port risks sliding back into a similar crisis. The Shippers Council of East Africa (SCEA) has welcomed the fresh investments but warned that piecemeal solutions will not suffice. SCEA CEO Agayo Ogambi emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration to keep Mombasa functional.
Collaboration and foresight are key to ensuring Mombasa's continued success as a gateway. CFSs have digitized clearance processes, integrated customs offices, and invested in modern handling equipment to reduce turnaround times. The future of Mombasa as a competitive gateway depends on effective utilization of available capacity, including from port expansions, CFS investments, and complementary infrastructure like Lamu and the SGR.
For Elias Baluku, Executive Director of the Federation of East Africa Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA), the new CFS capacity represents a step in the right direction. However, he called for a comprehensive approach to address the port's capacity needs and prevent future congestion.
As Mombasa continues to grow, the need for strategic planning, collaboration, and rapid capacity expansion becomes increasingly apparent. The port, along with its CFSs and complementary infrastructure, plays a crucial role in the region's economy, and ensuring its continued success is vital for the prosperity of Kenya and the East African community as a whole.
