Just in case anybody thought South Africa has a monopoly on African boatbuilding, Kenya has just commissioned its first domestically-built ship, a 328ft cargo ship called Uhuru II.
The ship is due to operate on Lake Victoria and is a joint venture between Damen Shipyards and Kenya Shipyards Ltd.
A report in The Maritime Executive details the landmark project, although launch date is still two years away. “Uhuru II is capable of transporting 1,063 tonnes of cargo and is optimised for the transportation of petroleum oil products, up to two million liters of crude oil per trip, as well as bulk dry cargo such as cereals, fertilizers, sugar, and seeds,” the publication says. “The vessel is equipped with Caterpillar 3500 series four-stroke, V-type, turbocharged marine diesel engines that the builders said are well suited for the demands of commercial shipping. The ship has a cruising speed of 14 knots.”
Construction is estimated at $20 million ( R380million), significantly less than the cost of building the ship offshore according to local sources, The Maritime Executive reports.