Mombasa is the principal port of Kenya and Uganda. It is also a main port for several other countries in Central Africa including Rwanda, Burundi, Congo and Sudan. It is situated East of Mombasa island which is occupied by the town of Mombasa, the most important town on the East Coast of Africa, from Durban to Port Said.

The port consists of 2 terminals, with a biggest one of 1200m in length.

Approaching the port is direct from the open sea. Entry is through a buoyed channel, across a bar extending between reefs. The vessel passes by the picturesque skyline of the city of Mombasa and continues towards the port.

In the port of Mombasa, our vessel usually came starboard side alongside – sometimes at the end of the pier, sometimes just in the middle position, between other vessels. The berthing maneuver was simple, but it could require a longer time when the vessel had to fit into a limited space – with ~ 50 m clearance from the other vessels. Two tugs – one in portside bow and the other in portside quarter – slowly pushed the vessel alongside.

On departure, the 2 tugs were pulling the vessel away from the pier and then, by pulling or pushing helping the vessel swing 180˚ to starboard side or portside – depending on the tide.

When the swing was complete, the tugs were cast off and the vessel continued on its own, following the navigating channel out of the port.

You can watch a time lapse video of the entering maneuver here.

You can watch a time lapse video of the departure maneuver here.