The 63,000-dwt Setaf Saget-managed JS Danube (built 2012) got stuck on a reef as it brought coal into Mombasa.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) said low tides were hampering efforts to refloat the ship, but it was hopeful it could be released at high tide on Friday.
KPA general operations Manager Twalib Khamis told local media the bow of the bulker was slightly damaged when it hit a reef.
