Lamu port sets east African record with longest-ever vessel call

Lamu Port sets record. It accommodates longest ship to ever dock in East Africa. Lamu Port has officially etched its name into East Africa’s maritime history with the arrival of the MV Nagoya Express, a 335-metre container ship operated by German shipping giant HapagLloyd, the largest vessel ever to dock in the region. This historic vessel call marks a major milestone in Kenya’s ambitions to transform Lamu Port into a premier transshipment hub for global trade between Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. 

During its stopover, the MV Nagoya Express handled 140 transshipment containers destined for New York, which were previously transferred from Hapag-Lloyd’s MV Tolten. The operation showcased Lamu’s growing ability to manage high value, long haul cargo logistics. These features make Lamu uniquely suited to accommodate ultra large container vessels which often face maneuvering challenges at the congested Mombasa Port. 

The Kenya Ports Authority has poured significant investment into Lamu’s development including the installation of high-capacity ship to shore gantry cranes and other cargo handling systems aimed at attracting global shipping lines.