The Ksh2.4 billion MV Uhuru II vessel is set to officially begin its operations following its commissioning by President William Ruto on Monday, October 9, 2023.
Ruto, who is on a four-day working tour of the Nyanza region, presided over the commissioning of the cargo ship at the Kisumu Shipyard.
The vessel built by Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) — a state Company under the Ministry of Defence (MOD) — is the first ship to be locally constructed at the Kisumu Shipyard.
The multi-billion project was initiated by the previous administration of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta as part of the State’s efforts to revive maritime trade and promote blue economy activities in Lake Victoria.
According to KSL, the 100-metre vessel is equipped with a range of advanced systems for its safe and efficient operations.
“One of the most important systems on the MV Uhuru II is its hull structure. The ship’s hull is designed to be strong and durable, capable of withstanding the stresses and strains of heavy cargo and rough waters. The hull is constructed from high-quality steel and carefully welded together to form a watertight enclosure that will protect the cargo and crew from the elements,” information on the company’s
MV Uhuru II, which has a capacity of 1,800 tonnes, is also equipped with an advanced piping system.
“The piping systems are used to transport oil from the ship’s cargo tanks to its engines, where it is used to power the ship’s propulsion system. The piping system is carefully designed to ensure that the oil is delivered to the engines at the correct pressure and temperature, which helps to maximize the engines’ efficiency and performance,” the company adds.
