Kisumu: Operations at the Kenya Pipeline Corporation oil jetty in Kisumu have received a significant boost with the introduction of a second cargo ship, MT Elgon, to transport fuel to Uganda via Lake Victoria. This addition is expected to optimize petroleum logistics across the region, reducing reliance on road transport and enhancing cost-efficiency. According to Kenya News Agency, the MT Elgon, with a capacity of 4,500 cubic meters, will work alongside the MT Kabaka Mutebi II, which was introduced in 2022. Together, these vessels will make a combined total of four trips per week. Operated by Lake Victoria Logistics Limited, they aim to transform the transportation of petroleum products in East Africa, cutting down costs associated with road transport. Lake Victoria Logistics Limited Chairman Dr. Steve Mainda highlighted the vessel's role in promoting safe and efficient fuel transport across Lake Victoria to Uganda, with further distribution by road to Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, and the Democratic Repub lic of Congo (DRC). Mainda noted the success of MT Kabaka Mutebi II, which has completed 70 voyages since the Kisumu oil jetty became operational, equating each voyage to the transport capacity of approximately 150 trucks. Acknowledging the support from the governments of Kenya and Uganda, Mainda expressed appreciation for the infrastructure enabling such operations. He also revealed plans to introduce a third ship to further alleviate road traffic and hazards associated with transporting petroleum by truck. Kisumu depot manager Eng. Charles Sambu commended the deployment of the vessels as a significant advancement for the oil jetty, established in 2018. The shift from road and rail transport to vessel transport is set to enhance efficiency and curb fuel adulteration, while ongoing construction of additional storage tanks at the depot aims to attract more merchants. Kisumu Port Manager Charles Kitur attributed the renewed interest in the port to extensive efforts to revitalize the facility. He noted that t he Kenya Ports Authority, in collaboration with other state agencies, has developed navigation aids to facilitate the transport of goods and people across the lake. The port is now effectively linked to the Port of Mombasa, ensuring safe intermodal transport to Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC. Kitur officially welcomed the MT Elgon on behalf of KPA Managing Director William Ruto, presenting a certificate of first call and a commemorative plaque to the vessel's captain, Debashish Kumar. The MT Elgon joins a fleet that includes MT Kabaka Mutebi II, MV Uhuru II, MV Uhuru, MV Orion II, and Orion III, with MV Uhuru II having recently made its maiden voyage to Jinja.