Taifa Gas has entered the final stage of construction on its LPG import terminal at the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, Mombasa, Kenya. Hydrostatic testing is being carried out before the facility moves to the commissioning stage in the coming months.
Once completed, the KSh16 billion (€107.5 million) terminal project will be East Africa’s largest LPG storage terminal with a capacity of 30,000 tonnes over 12 spherical pressurised tanks, and potential expansion space of 45,000 tonnes across the 30-acre site. The final testing is being overseen by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), among other government bodies.
Taifa Gas site manager Anthony Musyoka says: ‘We are carrying out hydro tests, which are mandatory for pressurised vessels. The government has been very cooperative. We have EPRA and KEBS on site witnessing the testing of the first tank. Pipeline installation is progressing well, all materials have been delivered and contractors remain on site. The Kenya Ports Authority has also provided all documentation required for the marine connection.
Lee Kinyanjui, trade cabinet secretary, comments: ‘Our role as government is to create incentives for private investors. This project will be a game changer. Instead of importing gas from Tanzania and elsewhere, Mombasa will become the logistics hub serving Kenya and neighbouring countries. In the next three months, we expect operations to begin, making Taifa Gas the first major investor to commence operations inside the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone.’
