Local engineers build first Kenyan Barge in Mombasa

Last Updated 10 years ago by Kenya Engineer

Southern Engineering Company (SECO) has built a local sea vessel at the port of Mombasa. Referred to as barge Alpha 2500, it will be used to transport heavy machinery and marine projects cargo along the East African Coast. The 64 meters vessel has the capability of carrying various aggregated project cargo, heavy vehicles, trucks and cranes and can access remote due to its low shaft.

According to a published post by a local daily, the vessel will be deployed for use in the construction of Lamu Port and other offshore projects along the West of Indian Ocean and inland water bodies like Lake Turkana. Marine transport services are preparing themselves for marine transport services in Lamu where construction of the three berths at the port is expected.

SECO’s Director in charge of Administration, Mr John Msafari, said the vessel has been built by skilled manpower numbering 80 from Kenya and inspected by highly qualified quality inspectors from outside the country.

The Alpha was constructed using 850 tonnes of marine grade steel at a cost of KES 180 Million and assembled in a period of six months. It will benefit local seafarers who have on several times complained of a ship for training.

“This vessel is the first to be designed and built in Kenya under internationally recognized classification standards. It meets the Indian Register of Shipping or IRCLASS,” said SECO Technical Manager, Mr. Jayesh Mehta in a press statement.

In October 2015, SECO unveiled MV Albert Nile 1 ferry that was delivered to Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) by a German based firm, Damen. Damen was contracted by UNRA who in turn appointed Southern Engineering to be their local partner to build it. The ferry worth KES310 million took eight months to be completed and was made using locally sourced materials from fabrication, carpentry, plumbing, plant and electronics.

SECO is the flagship company of Alpha Group’s Marine Division in East Africa’s marine industry.