Lamu Port is steadily solidifying its position as a key logistics hub along the Indian Ocean, with increased vessel traffic pointing towards growing confidence among international shipping lines.
Between May 16 and June 8, at least four vessels docked at the facility, bringing the total number of ship arrivals in the first half of the year to 34, a significant indicator of the port’s rising prominence.
Kenya Ports Authority management said Lamu Port, a flagship project under the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) Corridor, is gaining traction as a preferred destination for global shipping lines.
On May 16, the port welcomed MV Zhong GU Beijing on her maiden voyage, carrying 222 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) of transshipment cargo destined for the Port of Dar es Salaam.
The vessel, which had sailed from Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, was a fourth ship to make a maiden call to the Port of Lamu this year.
Later that same week, Lamu received MV Devon, operated by SeaLead Shipping Line and managed locally by Magellan Logistics.
On her maiden voyage from Dar es Salaam, the vessel was ladened with 809 containers and it will be offering a dedicated transshipment service between Lamu and Dar es Salaam.
During a ceremony aboard the vessel, general manager Port of Lamu Vincent Sidai, presented Captain Simchenko Myroslav with a certificate of first call and a commemorative plaque.
He was accompanied by KPA board members Daniel Mugao and Wilson Mwai.
Sidai said KPA has put in place initiatives to enhance the port’s competitiveness, including promotional tariffs and extended storage periods for transshipment cargo.
Last Monday, MV Devon made yet another call at Lamu Port in just two weeks.
The Singaporean-flagged container vessel discharged 602 empty containers and loaded 338 full containers for her return voyage to Dar es Salaam.
On Tuesday, MV Zhong Gu Ri Zhao docked at the port, discharging 220 containers and loading another 1,009 destined for the Port of Mombasa.
The vessel is scheduled to return next week to collect 1,036 empty containers before sailing to China, highlighting the port’s growing role in transshipment activities.
“The increased activity points to a promising future for the port and its contribution to the region's economic development,” Sidai said.
“We are witnessing a transformation in Lamu. The port is becoming a reality that is reshaping trade dynamics in the region.”
He emphasised Lamu Port’s advantages, including its deep-water berths, fast ship turnaround times, modern infrastructure and strategic location, which are driving increased interest from shipping lines operating along the Indian Ocean.
SeaLead Shipping Line, which operates both MV Devon and MV Zhong Gu Ri Zhao, has expressed confidence in Lamu's potential, citing its efficiency and growing connectivity.
