Kenya Makes History with First Locally Manufactured Mooring Boat, KMB 9

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The Port of Mombasa has made a groundbreaking achievement by unveiling the first locally manufactured mooring boat, christened KMB 9. Built through a collaborative effort between Kenya Shipyard Limited and SECO, this remarkable vessel signals Kenya's entry into shipbuilding and is poised to bolster the country’s maritime and blue economy sectors.  
Speaking at the launch, Sanjiv Nair, General Manager of SECO, hailed the achievement as a significant milestone that was 15 years in the making. He urged Kenyans to embrace locally manufactured products, emphasizing that such efforts promote local talent and generate employment. “This is not just a boat; it’s a symbol of Kenya’s capability and a step forward in creating jobs for Kenyans,” he remarked.  
Image: Sanjiv Nair, General Manager of SECO addressing the media.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Director General, William Ruto, echoed this sentiment, underlining the strategic importance of the development. "This is the first time Kenya is producing its own pilot ships, a crucial step in unlocking the potential of the blue economy," Ruto said. He also highlighted SECO Group’s proven expertise, having delivered two pilot ships for the Tanzania Port Authority. Ruto revealed that the construction of *KMB 9* cost approximately $2.4 million, meeting international standards.  
Image; Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Director General, capt. William Ruto,

The state-of-the-art mooring boat boasts advanced features designed to endure rough weather conditions. It measures 14.5 meters in length and features a twin-screw design powered by two Caterpillar CAT C9.3 ACERT engines, each generating 310 kW at 2100 RPM. With a design service speed of 10 knots, the vessel is both powerful and easy to handle, offering an efficient solution for port operations.  

The launch of KMB 9 is a bold testament to Kenya's growing technological capabilities and determination to become a regional leader in shipbuilding. By investing in locally manufactured vessels, the country is not only reducing its reliance on imports but also creating a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth.  
Image; mooring boat, christened KMB 9.

This monumental step is expected to pave the way for more projects in the maritime industry, reinforcing Kenya's position as a hub for innovation and opportunity.  

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