KPA Reverts Port Services, Acquires Ksh 1.9billion Multipurpose Tugboat.

The salvage boat is equipped with excellent maneuverability and packing a hefty 120 tons of bollard pull, a length overall of 42 metres and maximum draft of 7.2 metres with 500 m3 and 60 m3 of fuel oil and fresh water capacity respectively.

       Photo Credit: Elvis Okello

In its bid to enhance marine and emergency rescue operations, the Authority has acquired a state-of-the-art tugboat at a coast of Ksh. 1.9 billion.

The high performance RAstar 4200 Azimuth Stern Driven tugboat; the first of its kind in this region was built by Med Marine in Turkey.

The vessel named Mwokozi II joins KPA's fleet of tugboats to primarily offer salvage and harbour operations as well as complement other marine crafts crucial for tuggage services at the Port of Mombasa.

      Photo Credit: Elvis Okello

KPA's Principal Marine Officer Captain Patrick Onyango said the acquisition of the salvage tugboat is timely for the Port of Mombasa where salvage operations have been hampered since the decommissioning of Mwokozi I in the early 1980s.

He added that the boat will effectively provide rescue services, fire suppression at sea, maritime pollution control and marine salvage.

The decision to purchase the vessel was reached after it was established that the Authority was incurring a lot of expenses in hiring salvage services from international firms.

     Photo Credit: Elvis Okello 

The new Mwokozi II is an advanced caterpillar E series tugboat constructed and equipped according to Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS) requirements.

KPA marine engineers, technicians and operators are also set to benefit from specialized training facilitated by Med Marine, the company that won the tender to build the tugboat.

Captain Onyango also adds that KPA is looking forward to commercialise use of this modern tugboat which is listed as one of the Salvage Tugs in the world that can be chartered Incase of an incident, potentially generating additional revenue for the Authority and the Kenyan government. Also giving job opportunities to the residents of Mombasa.

Mwokozi II, was given a water canon salute by a flotilla of tugs and pilot cutters depicting her maiden voyage to the Port of Mombasa.

Story By: Alves Asomah010.