Kenya is expected to receive six oil tankers carrying different energy products as 51 vessels are scheduled to dock at the ports of Mombasa and Lamu over a 14-day period.
According to a Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) schedule dated October 19, the tankers will deliver butane, V Power fuel, base oil, gasoil and palm oil.
The arrivals come at a time when Kenya is closely monitoring fuel supplies following reports that two petroleum tankers destined for the country were hit by drone strikes in the Strait of Hormuz.
The first tanker, carrying butane, was scheduled to arrive at the Port of Mombasa on October 19. Butane is used in portable cooking stoves and is also a component of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
A second ship carrying V Power, a high-quality fuel for motor vehicles, was set to arrive in Kenya on October 20.
Two other tankers carrying base oil and gasoil would arrive in Mombasa on October 21.
Base oil is used primarily in the production of lubricating oils such as engine oils, while gasoil is used in diesel engines.
The last ship on the list is set to arrive on October 29.
Fuel imports occur against a backdrop of global supply uncertainties
While the arrival of these tankers comes in the wake of diplomatic engagements between the United States and Iran seeking to address the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz in a bid to reduce strain on global fuel markets.
The strait is vital for international oil transport and any disruption can negatively affect the countries dependent on petroleum products from foreign sources.
This follows an earlier statement by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) about the fuel importation situation following an attack on two tankers that were set to dock at Mombasa.
The six scheduled deliveries will bring various energy-related products into the country, although the KPA schedule does not indicate the quantities each tanker will carry.
Mombasa to receive 41 vessels
Aside from the oil tankers, there are other ships that are listed in the KPA’s schedule, all set to arrive at both ports by the end of the month of October.
The Port of Mombasa will be welcoming 41 ships, which include 26 container ships, seven traditional cargo ships, six oil tankers, and two car carriers.
Other arriving ships are the one bringing bulk wheat on October 25 and one carrying steel coils on October 26.
Two vessels carrying clinker, a key raw material used in cement production, are also expected at Mombasa on October 22. One of the shipments will transport the material in bulk.
Two car carriers are scheduled to arrive on October 29 and October 31.
Lamu port to receive 10 vessels
Meanwhile, the Port of Lamu is expected to handle 10 vessels during the period.
The schedule includes nine container ships and one general cargo vessel.
The planned arrivals at both ports run from October 19 to October 31, according to the KPA update issued on October 19.
The authority’s schedule outlines expected vessel movements but does not confirm whether all the ships will arrive on their planned dates.
