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New tugboat for Port of Lamu

The Authority has acquired a new state of the art tugboat at a cost of Sh 1.4 billion for marine operations at the new Port of Lamu.

The boat dubbed MV. PATE, which was received on Tuesday at the Port of Mombasa, was built in Turkey by Med Marine Shipyards in collaboration with Kenya's Shipyards Limited.  

Speaking during the reception of the tugboat, KPA Board Chairman Gen (Rtd) Joseph Kibwana, said the arrival of MV PATE which has an expected lifespan of 20 years was a step in the right direction.  

"The vessel's capacity to handle port operations for all kinds and sizes of vessels safely, efficiently, and effectively, gives us a sigh of relief. Her arrival is timely for the Port of Lamu," he said.

The Chairman added that the Board and management have progressed plans to acquire more equipment in phases for the Port of Lamu concurrently with the ongoing construction of the port and its supportive infrastructure.

He said besides the tugboat there are plans for purchase of an additional three mobile harbour cranes, three ship to shore gantry cranes, three rubber tyred gantry cranes and four terminal tractors for the Port.

Addressing the meeting, KPA acting Managing Director Amb. John Mwangemi said the Authority has embarked on a robust equipping mission to maximize operational capabilities at the Port of Lamu.

He termed the acquisition of the vessel as an achievement that sets the Authority firmly on course for operational excellence.

Amb. Mwangemi said the state-of-the-art tugboat boats of a bollard pull of 85 tons with a length overall of 29 metres and is also fitted with two caterpillar main engine series CAT 3516C-HD, screw Rolls Royce propulsion system, modern winches, and firefighting system.

He observed that with the acquisition of M.T PATE to be stationed at Lamu and crewed by the staff at the Port of Lamu, the Authority expects to save huge expenses incurred whenever tugboats from the Port of Mombasa are deployed to Lamu.

"We are optimistic that this new equipment will contribute to the efficiency and productivity of our facilities to remain firmly ahead in the region," said the MD.

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