MOMBASA, Kenya- Global shipping company CMA CGM has praised the ongoing modernisation of the Port of Mombasa, saying improvements in infrastructure and cargo handling are strengthening its role as a regional trade gateway.
CMA CGM Senior Vice-President for Africa Lines Frederick Tatin made the remarks during a visit to the port, where he held discussions with Kenya Ports Authority Chief Executive Officer Captain William K. Ruto at KPA headquarters.
The talks focused on strengthening cooperation between the shipping line and KPA, improving operational efficiency and accelerating logistics performance.
“We are excited and encouraged by the progress being made at the Port of Mombasa,” Tatin said.
He cited initiatives aimed at streamlining port operations and improving service delivery to shipping lines, importers, exporters and other users.
Tatin also highlighted infrastructure expansion and modernisation programmes at the ports of Mombasa and Lamu, saying they demonstrated increasing confidence in Kenya’s maritime sector and the wider East African market.
“These investments reflect growing confidence in Kenya’s ports and the wider East African market,” he said. “They are creating new opportunities for trade, connectivity and investment.”
The Port of Mombasa serves as a major gateway for cargo destined for Kenya and landlocked countries across East and Central Africa, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Captain Ruto reaffirmed KPA’s commitment to maintaining Mombasa’s position as a competitive and reliable port serving regional and international trade.
He said partnerships with major global shipping companies were critical to improving the port’s long-term competitiveness and reliability.
“KPA continues to invest in infrastructure and operational improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround times and strengthen cargo-handling capacity,” Captain Ruto said.
He added that the modernisation programme was designed to meet the changing needs of shipping lines and other stakeholders across the logistics chain.
Tatin was accompanied by CMA CGM Managing Director for the East Africa Cluster Benjamin Coston, Senior Manager for Procurement, Ports and Terminals Johanny Fereoux and Singapore Regional Office Trade Manager Romeo Kielwassewr.
The delegation also included Deputy Regional Managing Director Naveen Prabhu and Branch Manager Yuri De Sousa. KPA Container Operations Manager Peter Masinde participated in the meeting.
