POSSIBLE DELAYS LOOM AT MOMBASA PORT AS KPA REVISES SHIPPING SCHEDULES

Cargo operations at the Port of Mombasa may face temporary disruptions after the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) announced changes to vessel berthing schedules at the container terminals.
In a notice issued on September 20, 2025, KPA said the berthing windows at Container Terminal 2 (CT2) will be re-aligned during the 2025 peak shipping season. The review follows the exit of global shipping line CMA CGM from existing co-allocation agreements and the launch of its independent KILIMA service.
Under the new plan, KILIMA vessels will dock from Saturday 00:00 to Monday 23:00, SwiftBud from Monday 00:00 to Thursday 23:00, and Swire from Thursday 00:00 to Saturday 23:00. Other services—including NOURA and KANBU—will be served on a first-come, first-served basis at Berths 17 and 20, while KILIMA will receive priority at Berth 21.
KPA has given shipping lines a one-week notice to adapt to the new arrangement. Industry players warned that the transition could cause short-term congestion as freight forwarders and trucking companies adjust documentation and cargo-handling schedules.
The authority has urged importers and exporters to liaise with their shipping agents to avoid delays and to allow extra time for the movement of goods during the adjustment period.