Kenya Shipyard Limited has launched the Ksh2.4 billion MV Uhuru II Wagon Ferry to operate on Lake Victoria waters.
During the launch, the state agency shared photos of the magnificent ship constructed by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
The 100-meter vessel was painted white and branded with Kenyan flag colours and bore its name, MV Uhuru, in bold letters.
Kenya Shipyard noted that the Thursday launch was a milestone.
“While launching is defined as the point when the ship enters the water for the first time, this is determined by the type of dock facility the vessel is launched from in Kisumu Shipyard. The dock facility is a graving dock.
“The launch today marks her exit from the graving dock and marks the commencement of another critical milestone,” read the statement in part.
According to the agency, the launch entailed testing the ship for floatation and other mechanics.
“Harbor and sea trials primarily involve testing the functionality of systems onboard MV Uhuru II Wagon Ferry in real conditions to which the vessel will be exposed to.
“This will encompass the start-up of engines, generators, communication and navigational equipment,” the shipyard added.
Upon completion of the tests, MV Uhuru II is expected to carry up to 22 wagons and two million litres of crude oil per trip.
“The engines are equipped with Caterpillar 3500 series four-stroke, V-type, turbocharged marine diesel engines that are well suited for the demands of commercial shipping,” Kenya Shipyard stated.
Construction of the multi-billion ship began during the reign of former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2021.
Uhuru also inaugurated the flotation of the new 1,800-tonne ship on August 2, 2022.
