Coast set to receive Sh1 billion ferry next year

A ferry crossing from Likoni to the Mombasa ramp. The new ferry is expected in the country early next year. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

The Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) says it has resolved hurdles that held up the delivery of a Sh1 billion ferry.

KFS management said yesterday the builder, Ozata Shipyard of Turkey, would deliver Mv Safari at the Likoni channel by mid-January next year.

This was after the ship building company accepted a Sh49 million payout, following a dispute over delays occasioned by a court case between KFS and marine survey firm, Bonriz Insurance Marine Surveyors.

KFS and Ozata had been in talks for months after the latter slapped the state corporation with a Sh300 million bill, following the delays after the High Court stopped the construction of the vessel for nearly a year.

Ozata has already constructed the ferry, but will have to import an engine from Sweden and a steering system for installation over the next three months.

“We have come to an agreement with the shipyard and we expect the ferry to be delivered by mid-January next year,” said KFS Managing Director Bakari Gowa.

He said the vessel will undergo sea trial for one and half months before it is transported to the country.