As part of the KPA 's infrastructure modernization and maintenance program to boost port performance, the vessel is expected to enter service in East Africa's largest port in 2021.
The vessel concept is made by Robert Allan Ltd. of Canada from the RAstar ASD tug series.
The latest RAstar 4200 with a 120 metric tons bollard pull that ranks it among the most powerful tugs Robert Allan Ltd has ever built.
Muhammet Gökhan, business development manager from Med Marine, stated, “Specially built and equipped to meet the operational needs of the Kenya Ports Authority, this will be one of the largest RAstar series tug designed by our long-time partner Robert Allan Ltd.”
The RAstar 4200 (MED-A42120) will join the KPA fleet in providing ship-handling and coastal towing and will be available for rescue operations and harbour.
The KPA acting CEO and general manager of engineering services, Rashid Kassim Salim, said, “[The vessel] will be part of continual improvement of service delivery to the shipping industry, thus making Kenyan ports more attractive. The acquisition is integral to KPA’s business risk and continuity mitigation against blocked channel incidences.”
The project is part of the policy measures of the authority to leverage the blue economy. In this regard, the port manager said the rescue ship would enhance the Authority 's reputation as option world-class ports by providing all-round search and rescue ( SAR) services along Africa's eastern coast and beyond, further enhancing KPA 's compliance with ISPS Code requirements.
Maritime Business World