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Lamu Port on course to handle record 10 vessels in August

Lamu port is fast emerging as East Africa’s next big maritime powerhouse.

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by CHARLES MGHENYI

Coast14 August 2025 - 07:30
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In Summary


  • Last week, the facility welcomed MV Nagoya Express, the longest vessel to call at Lamu since operations began in May 2021.
  • The 335-metre container ship, operated by Hapag-Lloyd, collected 140 transshipment TEUs bound for New York.
     MV Lobivia, operated by CMA CGM under its Asea Service, docked at the Lamu Port on Wednesday morning





Lamu port is set for its busiest month yet, with at least 10 vessels expected to dock, almost matching the total handled in the first seven months of 2025.

Last week, the facility welcomed MV Nagoya Express, the longest vessel to call at Lamu since operations began in May 2021.

The 335-metre container ship, operated by Hapag-Lloyd, collected 140 transshipment TEUs bound for New York, having been discharged earlier by sister vessel MV Tolten.

Kenya Ports Authority officials say the port’s deep-water berths and wide turning basin allow it to handle ultra-large container vessels longer than those Mombasa can accommodate.

“This arrival proves Lamu was not built as an afterthought. It was built with vessels like Nagoya Express in mind,” said Lamu port general manager Captain Abdulaziz Mzee.

This week, CMA CGM’s MV Lobivia discharged 592 transhipment containers, mostly for Zanzibar, as part of the company’s new continuous operations at Lamu.

Other August arrivals include Gulf Express, Onego Buran, CMA CGM Saigon, Stephanie C, MYNY, CMA CGM Kailas, and CMA CGM Tarragona.

Captain Mzee expects over 23 vessels by month’s end, with growing interest from global shipping lines including Maersk, One Line Shipping, and MSC.

The port is also exploring bulk cargo handling, with inquiries for materials bound for a US airbase in Lamu.

Lamu port has a 1.2 million TEU capacity and currently serves destinations including Zanzibar, Indian Ocean islands, Mozambique, and Madagascar.

“I am very happy with this port. It is well prepared, clean, spacious, and has good depths inside the harbour. I think you have a good future,” said MV Lobivia’s pilot, Captain Victor Bushyn.

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