The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has unveiled a new Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS) at the Port of Mombasa in a KSh1 billion investment aimed at enhancing maritime safety, improving efficiency and supporting the port's growing cargo and vessel traffic.
The project also includes the acquisition of two tugboats and a helicopter to strengthen marine operations and emergency response at Kenya's busiest seaport.
Speaking during the launch, KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto said the system marks a significant milestone in the authority's efforts to digitize and automate port operations.
"What we are launching today is a major transformation in terms of automating and digitizing the port. It is to give our clients and our stakeholders real visibility of what is going on in this port," said Captain Ruto.
He said the technology is designed to improve information sharing between KPA and its stakeholders while eliminating inefficiencies associated with manual processes.
«"One of the things that we have always had problems with is our stakeholders not knowing what is happening in the port. This launch today allows our stakeholders to be able to have full visibility of the vessels that are calling at the Port of Mombasa. It also allows us, KPA users, to automate all our processes and to ensure that we remove any manual intervention in this port," he added.»
The integrated system combines radar surveillance, Automatic Identification System (AIS) vessel tracking, communications, oil spill detection and digital port management into a single platform. It has been deployed at the Port Vessel Traffic Services Control Tower, Ras Serani Signal Station and the Shimanzi Oil Terminal Radar Site, allowing operators to monitor vessel movements around the clock.
To support the rollout, KPA has trained more than 30 officers in vessel traffic services, radar operations, pilotage support and port management information systems through internationally accredited International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) certification programmes.
Industry players welcomed the investment, saying it will improve the movement of ships into and out of the Port of Mombasa while strengthening Kenya's position as a regional maritime and logistics hub.
"The commissioning of the Vessel Traffic Management Information System is a significant milestone for Kenya's maritime industry. An effective Vessel Traffic Service functions like air traffic control for the sea, enhancing navigational safety, improving coordination of vessel movements and reducing delays. This will improve operational efficiency for shipping lines while strengthening the competitiveness of the Port of Mombasa as a regional maritime hub," said Kenya Ships Agents Association Chief Executive Officer Elijah Mbaru.
The association noted that improved coordination of vessel movements is expected to reduce congestion at anchorage, shorten turnaround times and lower fuel consumption by enabling just-in-time arrivals. It also said the system will strengthen emergency response during maritime incidents and contribute to safer navigation for vessels calling at the port.
The commissioning of the VTMIS forms part of KPA's broader modernization strategy aimed at enhancing maritime safety, improving logistics coordination and supporting sustainable growth in regional and international trade through the Port of Mombasa.
