Cadreatech

  • Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
  • PIEDMONT PLAZA ANEX, 671 Ngong Road

New Lamu Port Development Project

Project Details

  • Project Status: Completed 2023
  • PROJECT TYPE: Construction supervision of the first three berths and associated port infrastructure, including dredging for reclamation, piling for berth substructure, berth superstructure works, yard and pavement construction, retaining walls, revetment works, access roads, and drainage systems.
  • Client Name: Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)
  • Location: Manda Bay, Lamu County, Kenya
What to Expect

Civil & Structural Engineering Review for the Manda Bay Port Berth Development Project

Cadreatech Engineering Services provided civil and structural engineering design review and construction supervision for the Manda Bay Port Berth Development Project in Lamu County, Kenya. The assignment focused on ensuring technical compliance, construction quality, and long-term durability for the first three berths and their associated port infrastructure.

Because the Manda Bay Port Berth Development Project is located in a harsh coastal and marine environment, the engineering approach prioritised durability, corrosion protection, and structural resilience. As a result, the project required careful review of design assumptions, material specifications, and construction methods suitable for long-term port operations.

Services Provided for the Manda Bay Port Berth Development Project

Cadreatech delivered targeted engineering and supervision services for the Manda Bay Port Berth Development Project to support safe and compliant delivery of the port works. The services included:

  • Design review for civil and structural engineering works

  • Construction supervision and site inspections

  • Measurements and preparation of interim and final payment certificates

Activities Performed

  • Detailed review of civil and structural designs to confirm compliance with Kenyan standards and international port engineering codes

  • Contract administration, including continuous site supervision and technical clarifications

  • Verification of executed works against approved drawings and specifications

  • Quality control monitoring for concrete works, piling, and marine structures

  • Measurement of works and preparation of interim and final payment certificates

This structured approach ensured that the Manda Bay Port Berth Development Project maintained consistent quality and technical compliance throughout construction.

Project Context and Strategic Importance of the Manda Bay Port Berth Development Project

The Manda Bay Port Berth Development Project forms part of Kenya’s strategic maritime infrastructure expansion in Lamu County. The project supports national logistics, regional trade, and marine transport operations.

Given the operational demands of a modern port, the engineering solutions had to accommodate heavy container loads, ship berthing forces, and continuous operational traffic. In addition, coastal exposure to saltwater, humidity, and wave action required robust corrosion protection and long-term durability planning.

Marine Structures and Civil Works Reviewed and Supervised

Cadreatech reviewed and supervised a wide range of civil and marine infrastructure elements under the Manda Bay Port Berth Development Project, including:

  • Dredging and land reclamation works

  • Piling systems for berth substructures

  • Reinforced concrete berth superstructures

  • Container handling yards and heavy-duty pavements

  • Retaining walls and coastal revetment works

  • Internal access roads and drainage systems

  • Auxiliary port buildings and operational facilities

Special emphasis was placed on constructability, corrosion protection systems, and long-term performance of marine concrete and steel components. As a result, the port infrastructure is better equipped to withstand aggressive marine exposure over its service life.

Structural Durability and Corrosion Protection Strategy

For the Manda Bay Port Berth Development Project, durability was treated as a core design and construction objective. The engineering review addressed:

  • Concrete cover requirements and mix design suitability for marine exposure

  • Protective coatings and surface treatments for steel elements

  • Cathodic protection systems for submerged and splash-zone components

  • Detailing of joints and interfaces to limit water ingress and chloride penetration

Through this approach, the marine structures achieved improved resistance to corrosion, fatigue, and environmental degradation.

Piling Design Review and Performance Verification

The piling system formed a critical load-bearing element of the Manda Bay Port Berth Development Project. Cadreatech reviewed piling specifications, construction drawings, and installation methods to confirm structural performance and constructability.

Key piling performance measures included:

  • Preparation of pile heads to ensure proper jointing and structural continuity with berth superstructures

  • Dynamic pile resistance calculations based on driving records and approved pile driving formulas

  • Non-destructive pile integrity testing and dynamic response analysis using wave equation methods

  • Static pile load testing on one percent of installed piles to validate design assumptions

  • Installation of cathodic protection systems using galvanic anodes to protect steel piles from marine corrosion

These measures improved confidence in foundation performance and long-term structural reliability.

Construction Supervision and Quality Assurance for the Manda Bay Port Berth Development Project

Cadreatech’s site engineers provided continuous supervision for the Manda Bay Port Berth Development Project. The team monitored piling installation, reinforced concrete works, yard construction, and revetment installation.

In addition, technical queries were resolved promptly to prevent delays and rework. Progress was tracked against approved programmes, and construction quality was verified through inspections and testing records. As a result, construction risks reduced and compliance improved across all work fronts.

Project Outcomes and Engineering Value

Cadreatech’s involvement ensured that the Manda Bay Port Berth Development Project achieved high levels of structural safety, durability, and cost efficiency. The project was delivered in compliance with applicable engineering standards and port design requirements.

Furthermore, improved coordination between design and construction teams enhanced constructability and quality assurance. The completed berths and associated infrastructure are now capable of supporting long-term port operations in a demanding marine environment.

Reinforcement fixing works during construction of the first three berths at Manda Bay Port, Lamu County, Kenya, involving marine civil and structural engineering supervision by Cadreatech.
Reinforcement installation works in progress at Manda Bay Port during construction of the first three berths, highlighting marine civil and structural engineering activities including berth superstructure works, quality control, and construction supervision for Kenya Ports Authority.

 

Manda Bay Port Berth and Yard Construction Works

Berth and yard construction works at Manda Bay Port in Lamu County, Kenya, showing marine civil and structural engineering infrastructure developed under supervision for Kenya Ports Authority.
This image captures the construction of berth decks and associated port yard infrastructure at Manda Bay Port in Lamu County. The works include reinforced concrete berth superstructures, paved container and service yards, edge beams, and marine interfaces designed to withstand heavy loading and aggressive coastal conditions. Cadreatech provided civil and structural engineering design review, construction supervision, and measurement services to ensure durability, safety, and compliance with port and marine engineering standards.

 

Dredging, Piling and Berth 1 Construction at Lamu Port

Aerial view of dredging, piling, and Berth 1 construction works at Manda Bay Port in Lamu County, Kenya, showcasing marine civil and structural engineering activities for port infrastructure development.
This image illustrates the integrated marine construction activities at Manda Bay Port, including dredging for seabed preparation, piling works for berth substructures, and the construction of Berth 1 superstructure. These works form a critical part of the port expansion program, designed to accommodate heavy marine loads, ensure long-term durability in aggressive coastal environments, and support efficient port operations. Cadreatech provided civil and structural engineering design review, construction supervision, and measurement services to ensure compliance with marine engineering standards and project specifications.

 

Precast Deck Panel Installation at Lamu Port Berth

Lifting and installation of precast reinforced concrete deck panels during berth superstructure construction at Lamu Port, Manda Bay, Kenya.
This image captures a critical stage in the construction of the berth superstructure at Lamu Port, showing the crane lifting and positioning of precast reinforced concrete deck panels onto the piled substructure. Precast deck elements are commonly used in marine infrastructure to improve construction speed, quality control, and durability in aggressive coastal environments. The operation requires precise coordination, structural alignment, and strict safety controls to ensure proper load transfer, long-term performance, and compliance with port engineering standards. Cadreatech’s role in design review, construction supervision, and quality assurance ensures that such installations meet structural integrity and marine durability requirements.

 

Precast Slab Installation for Berth Superstructure at Lamu Port

Installation of precast reinforced concrete slabs during berth superstructure construction at Lamu Port, Manda Bay, Lamu County, Kenya.
This image shows the installation of precast reinforced concrete slabs during the construction of the berth superstructure at Lamu Port in Manda Bay. The precast slabs are placed onto the prepared structural support system to form the working deck of the berth, designed to carry heavy cargo loads, cranes, and port equipment. The use of precast elements enhances construction efficiency, quality control, and durability in the aggressive marine environment. Cadreatech’s involvement through civil and structural design review, construction supervision, and measurements ensures correct slab alignment, load transfer, reinforcement continuity, and compliance with marine engineering and Kenya Ports Authority standards.

 

Marine Bollards Installation at Lamu Port Berth

Installation of marine bollards on the berth deck during port construction works at Lamu Port, Manda Bay, Kenya.
This image shows the installation of marine bollards on the completed berth deck at Lamu Port in Manda Bay, Lamu County. Bollards are critical port infrastructure components designed to safely transfer mooring forces from docked vessels into the berth structure. The works involve precise positioning, reinforcement detailing, and anchorage installation to ensure the bollards can withstand high tensile loads generated by large marine vessels under operational and environmental conditions. Cadreatech provided civil and structural engineering design review, construction supervision, and measurement services to ensure correct installation, structural integrity, load transfer performance, and compliance with Kenya Ports Authority specifications and international marine engineering standards.