The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is accelerating efforts to expand container handling capacity at the Port of Mombasa as global shipping company Evergreen Marine Corporation invests in a new generation of vessels to strengthen its maritime operations.
The parallel developments are expected to create fresh commercial opportunities across Kenya’s port network, particularly as international shipping lines prepare for growing cargo volumes and changing demands in global maritime trade.
The developments emerged during a business tour of Mombasa by Evergreen President K. H. Wu, who led a company delegation for discussions with KPA on port infrastructure, operational capacity and the future of maritime trade.
Wu was accompanied by Bahaa Badr, chairman of Gulf Badr, Evergreen’s local agent.
Evergreen’s fleet expansion includes orders for 23 feeder and medium-sized container ships and 11 LNG dual-fuel mega vessels, among them ships with capacities of up to 24,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
The investment signals the shipping company’s continued focus on strengthening regional cargo distribution networks while expanding its capacity for long-distance international shipping.
On the Kenyan side, KPA’s infrastructure expansion is aimed at ensuring the country’s ports remain competitive and capable of accommodating increasingly larger vessels.
Representing KPA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Capt. William K. Ruto, General Manager for Cargo Operations Sudi Mwasinago outlined ongoing and planned infrastructure projects at the Port of Mombasa.
Among the key projects is the imminent completion of Berth 19B, which is expected to increase Mombasa’s annual container handling capacity by approximately 300,000 TEUs.
Mwasinago also highlighted planned developments at Berths 23 and 24, which are expected to further strengthen the port’s ability to handle rising cargo volumes.
Beyond Mombasa, KPA is positioning the Port of Lamu as an additional gateway for regional trade, offering opportunities to expand Kenya’s maritime logistics network and support cargo movement across the region.
The engagement provided Evergreen’s delegation with an opportunity to assess ongoing infrastructure developments and discuss the future direction of Kenya’s maritime sector.
Although no specific vessel deployment commitments were announced following the visit, the discussions highlighted the growing intersection between shipping companies’ fleet investments and Kenya’s efforts to modernise its port infrastructure.
The developments come as competition among regional ports increasingly places emphasis on cargo-handling efficiency, infrastructure capacity and the ability to accommodate larger container vessels.
For Kenya, expanding Mombasa and developing Lamu could strengthen its position as a key maritime gateway serving East and Central Africa.