Efficiency and productivity at the Port of Mombasa is expected to improve following the acquisition of four new Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes and two Rail Mounted Gantry (RMG) cranes. 

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The four RTGs are part of the 12 RTGs that the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) ordered from Toyota Tshusho of Japan. 

The first consignment (8 RTGs) was received on April 21, 2018. 

The two RMGs are part of the six that the Authority ordered from ZPMC of China.

 KPA said the remaining four RMGs are expected towards the end of June 2018.

"One RTG costs Kshs 185 Million while each RMG is Kshs 355 Million," KPA said in a statement, on Wednesday.

The main features of the RTGs are; hybrid power system- resulting into improved fuel efficiency of up to 50% and reduced carbon emissions; advanced crane monitoring system; installed accurate container load weighing system; safe working load of 45 tons; stacking height of five plus one high; width of 6 plus one truck lane and automatic steering. 

On the other hand the RMGs main features include; safe working load of 65 tons; two twenty foot containers (twin lift) capability; span of 40 meters and outreach of six meters (this shall enable the cranes serve 3 SGR and 3 MGR railway lines); stacking height is 5 plus one container; 180O trolley rotation mechanism to enable turning of containers; advanced crane monitoring system with remote access and installed accurate container load weighing system.

"The cranes will be commissioned in a month’s time after offloading and assembling of the loose parts."