Geza Ulole
Platinum Member
- Oct 31, 2009
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mnashangilia vitu vidogovidogo! Kuna ujenzi wa shipyard unaendelea Kigamboni soon it will be a history! Ni sawa na fundi garage kujivunia kutengeneza Mercerdes za owner fulani na mwenye kumiliki akikuangalia tu! angalia vitu mnavyoandika!
ngineering Trust Across Borders: KSL Powers a New Regional Maritime Repair Corridor with MV Ikraam I
- shipyards
- February 13, 2026
- 10:11 pm
- No Comments
In the early morning light of 12 February 2026, MV Ikraam I (IMO 9848962) cut through the waters off Mombasa and entered the Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) yard – not merely for repairs, but to signal the rise of a new regional maritime repair corridor in East Africa.
Owned by Zanzibar-based Ikraam Sealine Co. Ltd, the passenger Ro-Ro ferry’s docking in Mombasa marks a defining moment in regional commercial diplomacy, technical confidence and Blue Economy collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The milestone positions KSL not just as a national asset, but as a trusted regional maritime repair hub powering resilience across borders.
Precision in Motion
Described as “magical” by the KSL Communications team, the arrival of MV Ikraam I was a masterclass in engineering choreography.From the synchronized lowering of the cradle to the calibrated positioning of ropes and winches along the finger piers, the operation reflected institutional discipline and world-class execution.
Overseen by General Manager, Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO), Col Mutiso, the docking unfolded with meticulous precision. Major Mugambi explained how the cradle was lowered carefully to accommodate the vessel’s dimensions, while Kenya Navy divers ensured underwater alignment – demonstrating the seamless partnership between KSL and the Navy under the “Ujasiri Baharini” ethos.
Beneath the surface, Diving Supervisor Sgt Waweru and Diving Officer WOII Mwanzia led a specialized team navigating complex underwater conditions.
“Our role is to ensure the vessel rests perfectly on the support blocks,” noted WOII Mwanzia. “We manage risks such as marine life, propeller movement and electrical hazards, while maintaining constant communication with the Captain and Dock Master.”
Infrastructure Meets Human Brilliance
KSL’s 4,000-ton slipway – comprising three subunits and 12 synchronized electrohydraulic winches – demonstrates the technical backbone underpinning the operation.Each cradle integrates pulleys that multiply pulling force fourfold, while a central control room monitors weight and speed to guarantee optimal safety and stability.
Head of Electrical Section Mr. Kwayo explained: “The lateral and main winches are electrohydraulic, allowing controlled pulling speeds to maintain vessel stability. Depending on the vessel’s weight, the winches operate independently or in synchronized mode. It is a remotely controlled system designed for maximum safety.”
Senior Communications Officer Belinda Osoro aptly remarked, “What an infrastructure within our region,” capturing the pride of a team blending advanced technology with disciplined human oversight.
Confidence Beyond Borders
For Ikraam Sealine, the decision to dock at KSL was strategic. According to Mr. Yusuf, the Kenyan agent from Spears, confidence followed a site inspection.“We were impressed by the equipment, the workmanship and the professionalism,” he affirmed.
MV Ikraam I, which transports 1,156 passengers and 350 tonnes of cargo daily between Unguja, Pemba and mainland Tanzania, now entrusts its maintenance to KSL.
The vessel’s sister operations – including LCT Ikraam Tanga I serving the Zanzibar – Dar es Salaam – Mombasa corridor – signal the beginning of deeper Tanzania – Kenya maritime cooperation.
This collaboration advances SDG 9 on resilient infrastructure and strengthens the Blue Economy value chain across the East African Community (EAC). By offering sustainable, world-class repair services locally, KSL reduces downtime, cuts operational costs for regional operators and enhances trade fluidity across the Indian Ocean rim.
Engineering Trust Beyond Borders
As maritime traffic intensifies – with dozens of vessels calling at Mombasa within weeks – regional repair capacity becomes a strategic imperative.KSL’s expanding capabilities provide timely, efficient and technically superior solutions, reinforcing Kenya’s status as a maritime gateway to Eastern and Central Africa.
The docking of MV Ikraam I is therefore more than a routine maintenance event. It is a floating testimonial to engineering trust, execution capability and regional integration. With disciplined delivery and sustained excellence, MV Ikraam I becomes not just a vessel – but a symbol of East Africa’s growing maritime confidence.
At Mombasa Yard, where steel meets strategy and precision meets partnership, Kenya Shipyards Limited stands ready – positioned as the go-to maritime engineering hub for operators across the region.
WHERE EAST AFRICA’S VESSELS DOCK – MV KILIMANJARO, IN SAFE HANDS.
- shipyards
- July 5, 2025
- 7:09 pm
- No Comments
Kenya Shipyards Limited Mombasa Shipyard is strategically located near the Port of Mombasa, and as such, offers prime facilities for servicing both domestic and regional vessels. Its location enables ships to be efficiently drawn from the water and secured for maintenance and repair.
The world class Shipyard constructed in 2020, is equipped to handle vessels of up to 4,000 tonnes, with dimensions of 150 metres in length, 30 metres in width, 30 metres in height, and a draft of six metres. The site also includes a dedicated parking area and a hangar measuring 120 metres long, 30 metres wide, and 20 metres high, offering ample space for storage and heavy-duty operations.
In addition, the facility houses four specialized workshops:
- Electronic Repair Workshop
- Marine and General Engineering Workshop
- Fitting and Carpentry Workshop
- Hull and Superstructure Repair Workshop
Strengthening Regional Connectivity, One Vessel at a Time.
MV Kilimanjaro IV docking at KSL reflects not only Kenya’s growing competitiveness in the maritime sector, but also the regional collaboration that supports the Blue Economy agenda in East Africa. This also marks a significant milestone for KSL as it continues to attract high-profile regional and international vessels for maintenance, repairs, and overhaul services. MV Kilimanjaro IV’s servicing marks more than just a routine technical exercise — it is a powerful reaffirmation of the growing trust and confidence that operators across East Africa are placing in Kenya’s maritime capabilities.
A Strategic Partner for Regional Integration
As more regional operators turn to Kenya for reliable ship maintenance, refits, repairs and drydocking services, KSL is not only delivering on its technical promise, but also contributing directly to job creation, skills transfer, and the realization of Kenya Vision 2030. KSL continues to attract a growing list of commercial, passenger, and government vessels from across the Great Lakes and Indian Ocean region.
Kenya Shipyards Limited is not just building vessels; we are at the forefront of positioning Kenya as a maritime powerhouse in the region.
For official communication and media enquiries, please contact:
Corporate Communications Division
Kenya Shipyards Limited
publicaffairs@kenyashipyards.co.ke
+254 (0) 726277377
