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Port of Mombasa

KEMBA🇰🇪Kenya

Port Location

About Port of Mombasa

Also known as: Mombasa Harbour, Mombasa Old Port, Mvita, Port Mombasa

This is Kenya's principal seaport, handling a wide range of cargo including bulk, containers, and general cargo. It serves as a vital hub for East Africa, accommodating various vessel types. The port features mobile and fixed cranes and offers extensive loading/offloading facilities.

Background
Mombasa is a coastal city in southeastern Kenya along the Indian Ocean. It was the first capital of British East Africa, before Nairobi was elevated to capital status in 1907. It now serves as the capital of Mombasa County. Buildings in the Central Business District are blue and white, representing the Indian Ocean. It is the country's oldest and second-largest city after Nairobi, with a population of about 1,208,333 people according to the 2019 census.

Current Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Vessel Limits

Max Draft
13.05m
Channel Depth
14ft
Tidal Range
3ft
Elevation
1m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile
Drydock
L
Repair Code
B
Terminals
1

History

Established
1593

Terminals

MOMBASA CONTAINER TERMINAL

KENYA PORTS AUTHORITY

www.kpa.co.ke →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
KEMBA
Country
🇰🇪Kenya
Time Zone
UTC+3
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal tide gate
Shelter
Good

Region

Area
East Africa
Latitude
-4.0475°
Longitude
39.6350°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
47100 →
GeoNames ID
186297 →
Wikidata
Q225641 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.mombasa.go.ke →

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Mombasa?+
The controlling depth at Mombasa is 13.05 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Mombasa?+
The approach to Mombasa is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Ras Mchangamwe Range Rear Lighthouse at 0.5 NM to the NNE. Other aids include Mtongwe (0.8 NM SSE), Likoni (2.9 NM SE), Ras Serani Range Rear (2.9 NM ESE), Old Port Entrance Range Rear (3.1 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Mombasa on?+
The Port of Mombasa is situated on the Indian Ocean in KE. The area falls within the equatorial climate zone with warm waters year-round, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Mombasa?+
You can track vessels near Mombasa (KEMBA) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for KEMBA on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Mombasa?+
The Port of Mombasa operates in the UTC+3 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Mombasa?+
MOMBASA (UN/Locode: KEMBA), Kenya is a seaport located at approximately -4.04750° N, 39.63500° E.
Where is the Port of Mombasa located?+
Coordinates: -4.04750° N, 39.63500° E.
What facilities are available at the Port of Mombasa?+
Harbor type/size: Coastal Tide Gate and Medium. Cranes: mobile cranes and fixed cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts and 25–49 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, anchorage loading/offloading, good holding ground and turning area. Depths: channel depth 14m - 15.2m; anchorage depth 6.4m - 7.6m; cargo pier depth 9.4m - 10m; oil terminal depth 4.9m - 6.1m and maximum draft approx. 13.05 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Mombasa?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: restrictions present; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Mombasa?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: not available; deratting certificate: available; first port of entry: available and additional quarantine services available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Mombasa?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Fishing, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Ro Ro, Special Craft, Tanker, Tugs Harbor Craft and Unspecified.
Who are the ship suppliers at the Port of Mombasa?+
Ship suppliers include Coastal Supplies and Services Ltd..