Mombasa Port Ranks Below Berbera for Second Year in World Bank Report
East Africa’s Largest Port Falls to 328th Position as Berbera Surges to 106th
Kenya’s Port of Mombasa ranks below Berbera for the second consecutive year in the latest World Bank Container Port Performance Index, highlighting efficiency issues and regional competition.
For the second consecutive year, Kenya’s Port of Mombasa has ranked below the Port of Berbera in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index (CPPI). The latest report shows a further decline for Mombasa, dropping to 328th position out of 405 ports globally, down from 326th last year. Meanwhile, the Port of Berbera in Somaliland made a significant leap to 106th place from 144th, showcasing its rising prominence in regional cargo handling efficiency.
Key Highlights from the Report:
Mombasa’s Decline and Regional Comparison:
Mombasa’s consistent decline is evident since the inception of the CPPI in 2020, where it was ranked 296th. Despite this, Mombasa outperformed Dar es Salaam, which fell from 312th to 367th, and Djibouti, which experienced a steep drop from 26th to 379th.
The rankings are based on efficiency, specifically the time elapsed between a ship’s arrival and its departure after completing cargo exchange.
Berbera’s Rise in Efficiency:
The Port of Berbera’s improved ranking can be largely attributed to the operational management by DP World since 2017. This partnership has resulted in a 35% increase in cargo volumes and a 300% rise in vessel productivity.
Berbera’s implementation of new digital systems and sustainable practices has significantly reduced vessel waiting times from days to mere hours, enhancing overall port efficiency.
Improvements Noted by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA):
Despite the drop in rankings, the KPA highlights several improvements at Mombasa. The turnaround time for container vessels decreased from an average of three days in 2022 to two days in 2023.
Additionally, the average container dwell time reduced to 3.5 days from 3.9 days in 2022, marking a 10% improvement.
Ship waiting time for containerized vessels dropped to 0.2 days, and the gross vessel turnaround time decreased from 90.5 hours in 2022 to 64.1 hours in 2023.
World Bank’s Ranking Methodology:
The CPPI uses a combined approach of administrative and statistical methods to ensure the rankings reflect actual port performance and are statistically robust. The methodology includes expert judgment and factor analysis.
Implications for Regional Trade:
Efficient port operations are crucial for regional trade development. The World Bank emphasizes that such efficiencies can significantly enhance trade activities, especially following the downturn induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The contrasting fortunes of Mombasa and Berbera illustrate the dynamic nature of port competitiveness in East Africa.
Conclusion:
The ongoing improvements in Berbera and the relative decline of Mombasa underscore the importance of continuous investment in port infrastructure and management. As East Africa’s trade landscape evolves, the performance and efficiency of its key ports will play a critical role in shaping economic outcomes for the region.
