By Belinda Osoro
In the early morning light of 12 February 2026, MV Ikraam I (IMO 9848962) cut through the waters off Mombasa and entered the Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) yard – not merely for repairs, but to signal the rise of a new regional maritime repair corridor in East Africa.
Owned by Zanzibar-based Ikraam Sealine Co. Ltd, the passenger Ro-Ro ferry’s docking in Mombasa marks a defining moment in regional commercial diplomacy, technical confidence and Blue Economy collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The milestone positions KSL not just as a national asset, but as a trusted regional maritime repair hub powering resilience across borders.

Precision in Motion

Described as “magical” by the KSL Communications team, the arrival of MV Ikraam I was a masterclass in engineering choreography.
From the synchronized lowering of the cradle to the calibrated positioning of ropes and winches along the finger piers, the operation reflected institutional discipline and world-class execution.
Overseen by General Manager, Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO), Col Mutiso, the docking unfolded with meticulous precision. Major Mugambi explained how the cradle was lowered carefully to accommodate the vessel’s dimensions, while Kenya Navy divers ensured underwater alignment – demonstrating the seamless partnership between KSL and the Navy under the “Ujasiri Baharini” ethos.
Beneath the surface, Diving Supervisor Sgt Waweru and Diving Officer WOII Mwanzia led a specialized team navigating complex underwater conditions.
“Our role is to ensure the vessel rests perfectly on the support blocks,” noted WOII Mwanzia. “We manage risks such as marine life, propeller movement and electrical hazards, while maintaining constant communication with the Captain and Dock Master.”

Infrastructure Meets Human Brilliance

KSL’s 4,000-ton slipway – comprising three subunits and 12 synchronized electrohydraulic winches – demonstrates the technical backbone underpinning the operation.
Each cradle integrates pulleys that multiply pulling force fourfold, while a central control room monitors weight and speed to guarantee optimal safety and stability.
Head of Electrical Section Mr. Kwayo explained: “The lateral and main winches are electrohydraulic, allowing controlled pulling speeds to maintain vessel stability. Depending on the vessel’s weight, the winches operate independently or in synchronized mode. It is a remotely controlled system designed for maximum safety.”
Senior Communications Officer Belinda Osoro aptly remarked, “What an infrastructure within our region,” capturing the pride of a team blending advanced technology with disciplined human oversight.

Confidence Beyond Borders

For Ikraam Sealine, the decision to dock at KSL was strategic. According to Mr. Yusuf, the Kenyan agent from Spears, confidence followed a site inspection.
“We were impressed by the equipment, the workmanship and the professionalism,” he affirmed.
MV Ikraam I, which transports 1,156 passengers and 350 tonnes of cargo daily between Unguja, Pemba and mainland Tanzania, now entrusts its maintenance to KSL.
The vessel’s sister operations – including LCT Ikraam Tanga I serving the Zanzibar – Dar es Salaam – Mombasa corridor – signal the beginning of deeper Tanzania – Kenya maritime cooperation.
This collaboration advances SDG 9 on resilient infrastructure and strengthens the Blue Economy value chain across the East African Community (EAC). By offering sustainable, world-class repair services locally, KSL reduces downtime, cuts operational costs for regional operators and enhances trade fluidity across the Indian Ocean rim.

Engineering Trust Beyond Borders

As maritime traffic intensifies – with dozens of vessels calling at Mombasa within weeks – regional repair capacity becomes a strategic imperative.
KSL’s expanding capabilities provide timely, efficient and technically superior solutions, reinforcing Kenya’s status as a maritime gateway to Eastern and Central Africa.
The docking of MV Ikraam I is therefore more than a routine maintenance event. It is a floating testimonial to engineering trust, execution capability and regional integration. With disciplined delivery and sustained excellence, MV Ikraam I becomes not just a vessel – but a symbol of East Africa’s growing maritime confidence.
At Mombasa Yard, where steel meets strategy and precision meets partnership, Kenya Shipyards Limited stands ready – positioned as the go-to maritime engineering hub for operators across the region.