UN/LOCODE KE MSA: Port of Mombasa Port, Kenya — Seaport
Location
| Coordinates | -4.05, 39.67 |
|---|---|
| Country | Kenya |
| Function | East Africa's Largest Port, Kenya & Landlocked Countries Gateway |
| Authority | Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) |
Physical Specifications
| Max Draft | 15.0m (container), 12.0m (general cargo) |
|---|---|
| Channel Depth | 15.0m |
| Tide Range | 3.2m |
| Berth Length | 760m (container), 3,400m (total) |
| Anchorage Depth | 20m |
Administrative
| Customs Code | KEMSA |
|---|---|
| IMO Facility No. | Yes |
| Working Hours | 24/7 |
| ISPS Compliance | Yes (Level 1) |
| VHF Channel | 16 (Call), 12 (Port Ops) |
| Port Website | www.kpa.co.ke |
Commercial & Logistics
| Annual Volume | 1,800,000 |
|---|---|
| Primary Cargo Types | Container, Tea, Coffee, Petroleum Products, Cement, Vehicles, Grain |
| Vessel Types | Container, RoRo, Bulk, Tanker, General Cargo |
| Free Trade Zone | Yes (Mombasa Special Economic Zone) |
| Bunker Fuel | IFO 380, VLSFO, MGO |
| Nearest Airport | MBA (10km) |
| Rail Connection | On-dock (Kenya Railways + Standard Gauge Railway to Nairobi ICD) |
| Highway Access | A8 (Mombasa-Nairobi Highway), A14 |
| Inland Depots | Nairobi ICD (SGR-connected), Kisumu ICD, Eldoret ICD, Naivasha ICD |
Trade Intelligence: Mombasa Port
Mombasa Port is classified as a Seaport with annual throughput of 1,800,000. The port handles Container, Tea, Coffee, Petroleum Products, Cement, Vehicles, Grain. As East Africa's Largest Port, Kenya & Landlocked Countries Gateway, Mombasa Port plays a critical role in Kenya's trade infrastructure. Shippers should confirm berth availability, draft restrictions, and ISPS security levels directly with Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) before scheduling vessel calls.
Port History
Mombasa has been a trading port for over 1,000 years, serving Arab, Portuguese, and British traders. The modern port was established in the 1890s with the construction of the Uganda Railway. Today Mombasa is the gateway for Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and eastern DRC — serving over 250 million people. The Second Container Terminal (Phase 1) opened in 2016, adding 550,000 TEU capacity. A new Kipevu Oil Terminal opened in 2023.
Authority: Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LOCODE for Mombasa Port?
The UN/LOCODE is KE MSA. Use in bills of lading and customs declarations.
What trade routes connect to Mombasa Port?
Mombasa Port serves as East Africa's Largest Port, Kenya & Landlocked Countries Gateway. TZ DAR, AE DXB, SG SIN, IN NVA, NL RTM, ZA DUR
How do I find shipping schedules?
Contact Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) or query carriers (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM) using LOCODE KE MSA.
Data Sources & Provenance
Port specifications compiled from:
- UNECE UN/LOCODE Directory — United Nations official location codes
- Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) — official port authority
- IMO GISIS — maritime facility database
Updated: July 25, 2026. For reference only. Not for navigation.