Yattani Praises KPA for Adopting green port policy
By Tobby Otum
Ports stakeholders must prepare themselves for climate change to enable them have robust transportation systems.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani said they must also have maritime transport systems as required by law.
He called upon the authorities at all levels and the private sector to be involved in the planning work to ensure long-term planning in relation to land use.
“It was also noted that changes in waves could lead to increased dredging of ports and waterways which has high financial implications to ports in general,” he pointed out.
Ukur said during an UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) Multi-Year Expert Meeting on Transport and Trade Facilitation held in Geneva it was noted that climate change affects weather patterns and ocean tides which subsequently lead to an increase in ship motions.
The remarks were contained in his speech read on his behalf by Kenya Ports Authority [KPA] acting Managing Director Amb John Mwangemi during the 26th Intermodal Africa 2022 Exhibition and Conference, an internationally acclaimed maritime event in Africa held at Pride Inn Paradise Beach Resort, Mombasa.
The CS said the climate adversely affects mooring or berthing of large vessels which might result in down-time.
Ukur said he was pleased to note that the Kenya Ports Authority is among the first African ports to put in place a green port policy.
He added that in addition to the World Ports Climate Initiative, the port industry has also launched the Environmental Ship Index.”Which aims to encourage emission reduction by the shipping industry through investing in renewable energy for ships to use while at berth,” he pointed out.
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