Mombasa Port Expansion Adds Capacity as Hapag-Lloyd Targets Growth Across East Africa
Kenya is accelerating expansion and modernisation at the Port of Mombasa as rising cargo volumes increase pressure on existing infrastructure and shipping lines strengthen their presence in East Africa.
The port handled a record 45.45 million tonnes of cargo in 2025, up 10.9% from 40.99 million tonnes in 2024.
Container traffic also increased to about 2.11 million TEUs, reflecting growing demand from Kenya and neighbouring landlocked markets.
To accommodate this growth, the Kenya Ports Authority is implementing several infrastructure projects, including the development of Berth 19B, which is expected to add 300,000 TEUs of annual container-handling capacity.
Other projects include upgrades to existing berths, new cargo-handling facilities, gate automation and improvements to port operating systems.
The expansion is particularly important because Mombasa serves as a major gateway for Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, northern Tanzania and Ethiopia.
Stronger capacity and efficiency at the port could therefore support trade across a much wider East African market.
Shipping company Hapag-Lloyd is also positioning itself for continued growth in the region, with Mombasa serving as an important part of its East African network.
The company maintains operations in both Mombasa and Nairobi and continues to serve regional importers and exporters.
The port’s expansion comes as competition among East African logistics gateways intensifies.
Improved infrastructure at Mombasa will be critical to maintaining its position as a preferred maritime gateway while ensuring that rising cargo volumes do not create congestion and delays.
The development of Berth 22, which has added 450,000 TEUs of annual capacity, has already increased the port’s container-handling capacity to about 2.1 million TEUs.
Further investments are expected to strengthen its ability to accommodate future trade growth.
For Kenya, expanding Mombasa Port is central to improving trade efficiency, supporting industrial activity and strengthening the country’s position as a regional logistics hub.
For shipping companies such as Hapag-Lloyd, the improvements provide greater capacity to support expanding trade across East and Central Africa.
