Southern Engineering Co. Ltd, widely recognized as SECO, operates as a prominent shipyard and marine engineering firm within the East African maritime sector. Established in 1957, the company has evolved from a mechanical workshop into a comprehensive industrial solutions provider, headquartered strategically in Mombasa, Kenya. Its long-standing presence at Mbaraki Wharf, near the entrance to the port of Mombasa, positions it as a critical hub for vessel maintenance and technical support in the Western Indian Ocean region.
The core of the company’s operations lies in its shipyard capabilities, which encompass both shipbuilding and ship repair. SECO maintains substantial infrastructure, including slipways and dry-docking facilities designed to accommodate a diverse range of marine assets. The yard routinely handles the fabrication and servicing of tugboats, barges, pilot boats, and offshore support vessels. Beyond maintenance, the company has demonstrated significant capability in new construction, delivering purpose-built hulls and modular ferries for clients across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. These operations are supported by specialized workshops equipped for precision machining, propulsion system overhauls, and heavy steel fabrication.
In addition to naval architecture, SECO plays a pivotal role in marine civil engineering. The firm executes complex infrastructure projects essential to coastal and port development, such as the construction of jetties, wharves, and mooring systems. Its expertise extends to dredging, reclamation, and specialized piling works, allowing it to deliver turnkey marine structures. This engineering capacity also supports the oil and gas sector, where the company provides structural steelwork, storage tank fabrication, and process piping for energy projects.
Serving a broad client base that includes international navies, regional port authorities, and commercial shipping lines, the organization acts as a key logistical and technical partner in East Africa. Its operations are integrated into the wider regional supply chain, often facilitating projects in landlocked nations through the construction of vessels for inland waterways. By combining heavy engineering proficiency with maritime specialization, SECO maintains a central role in supporting the industrial growth and maritime safety of the East African community.
