The Port of Mombasa has received the biggest bulk carrier vessel in its history following the maiden arrival of MV Lowlands Mimosa.
The ship docked at Berth No. 9 at the Port on Saturday, June 22,2019 with 50,500 metric tons of fertilizer for the Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA).
Speaking while presenting a certificate of first call to the ship’s master , Capt. Melecio D. Gandeza, on behalf of the Managing Director, KPA’s Head of Conventional Cargo Operations Mr. Paul Bor said the Port will continue investing in expansion programmes to be able to handle bigger vessels.
“This is the first time we are receiving this kind of cargo in terms of tonnage. It is a maiden call for the vessel which has brought the highest consignment,” said Mr. Bor.
He said that by today morning, the vessel had discharged 10,000 metric tons adding that it was expected to sail from the Port by Monday, July 1,2019 after discharging all the 50,500 tons.
“To discharge 50,000 tons means that we need up to five days for all operations weather permitting,” said the Head of Conventional Cargo Operations.
Speaking on behalf of KTDA, Dr. Simon Gikang’a, General Manager (Freight), Chai Trading Company Limited said the 50,500 metric tons fertilizer was meant for 600,000 small scale tea farmers.
“This means that the farmers have seen the value to increase their crop husbandry and that’s why we have continued to improve year after year,” he added.
MV Lowlands Mimosa sailing under the flag of Panama, has a gross tonnage of 35,596 with deadweight of 63,939 tons.
