Mombasa Port is witnessing an unusual build-up of vessel traffic, with 28 ships currently queued as a growing number of carriers divert calls from Dar es Salaam Port due to ongoing congestion and operational delays in Tanzania.
According to port officials and industry sources, several container, bulk, and general-cargo ships have rerouted to Mombasa over the past week, straining berthing schedules and yard capacity. Shipping lines are said to be seeking faster turnaround times after reports of prolonged dwell periods and limited berths at Dar es Salaam.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has deployed additional resources to manage the sudden spike in arrivals, including reallocating equipment and extending working hours. However, the surge is beginning to stretch yard operations, with stakeholders warning of potential delays in cargo evacuation if the trend persists.
Logistics players note that while Mombasa has benefited from the diversion in terms of volume, sustained pressure could impact service levels and inland transport capacity along the Northern Corridor.
Both ports have been facing heightened demand during peak season, but Dar es Salaam’s congestion has accelerated the shift of vessels toward Kenyan waters.
Industry observers expect the situation to ease once Dar es Salaam clears its backlog, but until then, Mombasa may continue to handle above-normal traffic inflows.