After many years of relying on foreign-built ships, Kenyans have a new reason to smile after a Mombasa-based ship builder unveiled a cargo vessel built locally.

The barge christened, Alpha 2500, was built from scratch by Southern Engineering Company (SECO) and will be used in the transportation of heavy equipment and marine projects cargo along the East African coast.

According to SECO’s Director in charge of Administration, John Msafari, Alpha 2500 was built by up to 80 skilled Kenyans and inspected by highly qualified foreigners.

The ship was built using 850 tonnes of marine grade steel at a cost of Sh180 Million and assembled in record six months.

In a press statement, SECO Technical Manager, Mr Jayesh Mehta, said the ship meets all the necessary standards and requirements.

“This vessel is the first to be designed and built in Kenya under internationally recognised classification standards. It meets the Indian Register of Shipping or IRCLASS,” Mr Metha said.

Apart from being used in the construction of the Lamu Port and in the transportation of heavy cargo, Alpha 2500 will also help in training local seafarers.

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