Ships calling at the Port of Mombasa will be compelled to switch off their diesel engines and power their vessels using electric power.
This is in line with the Kenya Ports Authority's (KPA) adoption of an elaborate Green Port Policy (GPP) aimed at enhancing environmental conservation.
Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Paul Maringa said Green Port Policy and Implementation plan had been drafted.
"The move will enable port authorities to assess the overall impact of port operations on environmental degradation, identify mechanisms of complying with international standards and design an action plan with best practices for effective implementation," Prof Maringa said.
The project, which is being carried out with assistance from TradeMark East Africa, includes provision of electrical power to ships calling at the harbour in what is known as 'cold ironing'.
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EXPANSIVE PORT BERTHS
Several power sub-stations have been put up within the expansive port berths.
The PS was speaking while officiating the opening of the first national workshop by Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre for Africa Region (MTCC-Africa) in Mombasa.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) together with the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) and KPA were selected to host MTCC-Africa.
The centre is expected to engage shipping lines and jointly develop methods of monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, reporting mechanisms and reviewing protocols.
Data collected will be compared with a baseline survey that will be undertaken at the early stages of the research process by the Kenya Meterological Department.
Upon analysis of the data, MTCC-Africa will advise shipping companies on how to improve their operational efficiency.
State Department for Maritime and Shipping Principal Secretary Nancy Karigithu said it was a big honour for Kenya to host the workshop.
