The history of maritime trade is inextricably tied to the evolution of ships—vessels that have, for thousands of years, facilitated the movement of goods, people, and ideas across the globe. From the earliest dugout canoes, like the Pesse canoe dating back to 8040 BC, to the reed boats of ancient Egypt and the iron-hulled steamships of the 19th century, ships have long been the workhorses of global commerce. Today, modern mechanized vessels dominate international shipping routes, moving more than 80 percent of world trade by volume.
Yet, despite their critical role, the conversation around maritime growth often overlooks a fundamental truth: ships and ports are two sides of the same coin. Without efficient, well-equipped, and strategically operated ports, even the most advanced vessels cannot fulfill their purpose. As Kenya and other African nations look to position themselves as competitive maritime hubs, attracting ships must be at the heart of port development strategies.
“A port without ships is like a stage without actors—it may be well-lit and expansive, but the performance simply cannot happen,” says Elijah Mbaru, Kenya Ships Agents Association (KSAA) Chief Executive Officer.
Ships play a central role in enabling economic activity through the movement of cargo. They connect producers and consumers across continents, underpinning the global supply chain and generating direct and indirect employment through port operations, logistics, and supporting industries. For ports, ships are the primary source of traffic and revenue, making them essential for relevance and growth in the maritime economy.
“Ships are not just metal hulls floating on water; they are the arteries of global commerce. Where they dock determines where trade flows,” Mbaru emphasizes.
However, attracting ships is not simply a matter of infrastructure—it is also about policy, regulation, and maritime administration. Effective maritime governance ensures that ports operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Maritime authorities are tasked with regulating ship registration and licensing, ensuring compliance with international safety and environmental standards, and facilitating smooth port operations. Their work also involves developing infrastructure, managing navigational safety, and responding to maritime incidents, all of which directly influence a ship’s decision to call at a particular port.
To remain competitive, ports—particularly in emerging maritime economies—must actively position themselves as attractive destinations for ships. This means investing in deeper berths, modern cargo handling equipment, and integrated digital platforms that streamline logistics and communication. Ports must also improve turnaround times, offer predictable and transparent charges, and foster a regulatory environment that encourages rather than deters ship calls.
“We need to shift from thinking of port development as concrete and cranes to systems and services,” Mbaru notes. “Efficiency and predictability are what shipowners value most.”
The call to action is clear: as the global maritime landscape continues to shift, only ports that adapt and align with the expectations of international shipping will thrive. In an era where vessels are getting larger and trade patterns are more complex, the port that can best service ships will command strategic significance in the global supply chain.
Ships may traverse the high seas, but it is ports that must provide the welcome and the value that make every voyage worthwhile.
The writer is the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Ships Agents Association, Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers East Africa Branch (UK), Advisor to Innovate Maritime Africa (Nigeria), Coordinator of the East Africa Maritime Business Chamber (South Africa), and a Technical Committee Member of the Association of Maritime Practitioners (Kenya).
