Preparing the Port of Mombasa for a sustainable future

The port of Mombasa is the main seaport in Kenya. It comprises Kilindini Harbour and Port Reitz on the Eastern side of the Mombasa Island, and the Old Port and Port Tudor north of Mombasa Island. In total, it has 16 deep water berths, two oil terminals and safe anchorages, and mooring buoys for sea-going ships.

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Preparing the port of mombasa for a sustainable future

Project facts

Client
TradeMark Africa / Kenya Port Authority
Location
Mombasa, Kenya
Challenge
To undertake three feasibility studies for the Port of Mombasa linked to a more sustainable and resilient future for the port.
Solution
The pollutant emissions of the port will be reduced by both the proposed alternate energy systems and new shore power arrangements – all helping to meet the Port’s aspirations.
Period
2017

Apart from serving Kenya, the port of Mombasa is also the main gateway to the East African countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Southern Sudan.

Building resilience and sustainability

Royal HaskoningDHV were appointed to undertake three feasibility studies for the Port of Mombasa. Each had varying technical aims, but all were linked to and leading towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the port:

The first feasibility study focused on analysing the current and future energy needs of the port and offering solutions to the power quality issues in the Kenyan electricity grid.
The second study identified opportunities to diversify electricity supplies within the port, using alternate (renewable) energy systems. Lowering reliance on grid connectivity, while also reducing concerns in relation to pollutant emissions was also a key part of the work.
The final study, at the request of the client, was to provide an assessment of the potential to install Shore Power (Cold Ironing) functionality. This would further reduce port-generated emissions and assist in meeting international environmental legislation.

A diverse approach informed by local knowledge

Although ports are inter-linked and play a significant role in the world of global trade, they are unique. Each port has its own individual challenges, contexts and considerations that need to be incorporated to provide the best solutions.

Recognising the importance of these individual requirements, we assembled an experienced team, including local Kenyan electrical engineering experts Howard Humphreys Ltd, to complete the feasibility studies. Where required, the team was further supported by our other engineering disciplines, environmental scientists and economists from across Royal HaskoningDHV.

A port prepared for future demand

Through close collaboration at site meetings, telephone and video-conferencing, the feasibility studies were completed and will ensure that the energy requirements of this expanding port facility will be sufficiently robust to meet future demands.

The pollutant emissions of the port will be reduced by both the proposed alternate energy systems and new shore power arrangements – all helping to meet the Port’s aspirations.