Uganda has commissioned a 96m long purpose-built roll-on/roll-off ferry built for the Entebbe shipbuilding facility of SECO Marine (U) Ltd, an Alpha Group Company recently.
The vessel, which is scheduled to become operational in 2024, will transport fully laden trucks, operating a safe, scheduled freight service between Port Bell and the Port at Mwanza South, Tanzania – effectively reducing transit times from four days to 22 hours by eliminating the need to journey around the lake by road.
The vessel was commissioned by InfraCo Africa, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), and Grindrod Limited (Grindrod).
Noting the decision to build the vessel locally, Mohanlal Pillai, Project Director of SECO said that the yard was proud to be associated with East Africa Marine Transport Company Limited on this landmark project.
“The current project of indigenously building a 96-metre-long cargo ferry for EAMT in the said facility will usher in a new era for the shipbuilding industry in Uganda,” he said, adding that the shipyard is strategically located in Entebbe.
“SECO Marine’s team in its new facility is fully geared to completing the construction of the vessel within the scheduled delivery period. The vessel is being constructed under the survey of Bureau Veritas and will be meeting all international standards applicable to this type and size of vessel.
“We are dedicated to carrying out our activities with utmost professionalism and high quality assurance and QHSE standards. We are committed to training and up-skilling our local Ugandan workforce and to contributing to a sustainable maritime industry in Uganda,” he told guests at the keel laying ceremony.
The first keel block was laid by Madam Sahenila Kurji, of Alpha Group, in the presence of officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport and representatives from InfraCo Africa and EAMT to mark the commencement of the shipbuilding works.
“Integral to Grindrod’s strategy is understanding our customers’ business as if it were our own and finding a solution to move their cargo efficiently and cost-effectively to markets. We believe that once in operation, the EAMT ferry will alleviate many of the challenges faced by businesses in the region, promote trade and contribute to economic growth,” said Xolani Mbambo, CEO of Grindrod Freight Services.
Speaking after the ceremony, InfraCo Africa’s Senior Asset Manager, Rodney Seema said: “Following construction of purpose-built workshop facilities here in Entebbe, we are delighted to be beginning the ferry build. Having cut steel earlier this month, the keel laying ceremony is significant as we can really start to see the structure of this huge vessel! Today is the culmination of many years of hard work by all parties who are committed to EAMT’s pioneering vision of delivering a faster, safer and more reliable route to regional markets.”
He added that 25 men and women are currently undergoing crew training.
