When you think of Mombasa, chances are you’re thinking about the Swahili culture, sandy beaches, and a travel destination. But, beyond the charm lies a powerhouse of trade and commerce – Mombasa Island Cargo Terminal (MICT), a key driver of Kenya’s economy, while connecting East Africa to international markets across Asia, Europe, and beyond. At Globetrot Logistics Limited, we are passionate about connecting people and goods, and this terminal is at the heart of it all. Moreover, as we expand our comprehensive land, sea, and air freight solutions across the region, understanding the dynamics and developments of this critical gateway has never been more important for businesses. But beyond its impressive capacity, what makes this terminal so vital? And where is it headed in the future? Let’s dive in.
A hub for diverse cargo
From containerized goods and petroleum products to bulk grain and cars, the Mombasa Island Cargo Terminal (a terminal in the Port of Mombasa) handles a wide array of cargo. It range of services include Full Container Load (FCL), Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) units (wheeled freight such as heavy machinery, trucks, and cars, towed onto a vessel via ramps), dangerous cargo (cargo that possess risk to the environment, property, safety, and health), loose cargo (goods handled individually rather than being containerized such as sacks, barrels, and cartons), and OOG (out of gauge) cargo1. The terminal is praised for its commitment to maintaining the highest quality conditions for various types of cargo and offering individualized attention to customers1. For freight forwarders like Globetrot Logistics, the terminal’s diversity is a significant advantage.
Strategic regional connectivity
The Mombasa Island Cargo Terminal is the main transit hub for landlocked East African countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Burundi. Uganda is the top destination for cargo traffic through the Port of Mombasa, accounting for 65.7% of transit cargo2. According to data from the Kenya Ports Authority, 8,811,289 tons of cargo for Uganda were handled in 2024, which represented a 23.8 percent increase from 20232. Other notable transit destinations include South Sudan, the DRC, Rwanda, and Tanzania, with 12.7 percent, 11.8 percent, 5.1 percent, and 3.4 percent of transit cargo, respectively2. This positions the Mombasa Island Cargo Terminal as a critical link in the supply chain for businesses operating across the East African Community. These statistics powerfully illustrate MICT’s central role in facilitating trade for our East African partners, a key market for Globetrot Logistics’ land freight services.
Record-breaking performance and growth statistics
The Mombasa Island Cargo Terminal has demonstrated exceptional growth in the past few decades, positioning itself as a vital player in marine trade. Recent performance data reveals remarkable achievements that underscore the terminal’s strategic importance in East Africa’s logistics ecosystem. The Kenya Port Authority reported that in 2023, the Port of Mombasa handled 35.98 million tons of cargo, which was an increase from 33.88 million tons the previous year3. Also, in 2023, the port processed 1.6 million TEU, rising from 1.45 million in 20223. Transit cargo increased by 11.5 percent to 11.41 million tons in 2023, demonstrating robust trade within the regional economies3. This is an opportunity for Globetrot Logistics to expand its footprint in neighboring nations, offering integrated land, sea, and air freight services. Additionally, in 2023, the port reported an improvement in container turnaround, with a decrease to 2.3 days from 3.6 days the previous year3. Also, cargo dwell time fell to 2.9 days in 2023 from 3.9 days in 20223. Faster turnaround and reduced dwell times mean Globetrot Logistics can assure its customers of quicker shipments and less time wasted at the terminal.
Strategic location
The terminal’s strategic location offers natural advantages for cargo handling operations, as its deep waters can accommodate large container vessels. Moreover, its proximity to the mainland ensures efficient connectivity to inland transportation networks. For Globetrot Logistics, this aligns with our promise of seamless multimodal freight solutions with optimized transition points that combine our sea freight expertise with reliable land transport connections.
Future Developments on the horizon
The future of Mombasa Island Cargo Terminal is one of ambitious expansion and modernization. Significant infrastructure investments will transform the terminal into a world-class facility. Key projects include the development of the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a free port and a logistics hub directly linked to the main terminal4. Another project underway is the multi-phase second container terminal, designed to significantly increase the port’s container handling capacity. Phase Two of the second container terminal increased the port’s yearly capacity by 450,000 containers5. There are also plans for dredging to deepen the water channels to accommodate larger, post-Panamax vessels6. These developments, combined with the proximity to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Moi International Airport, and Southern Bypass, will create a seamless multimodal transport corridor for Globetrot Logistics to optimize our freight services.
