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

Lamu Port has marked a major milestone in East Africa’s maritime sector with the arrival of the MV Nagoya Express, a 335-metre container ship operated by German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd — the largest vessel ever to dock in the region.

The landmark call underscores Lamu’s ambitions to become a leading transhipment hub connecting Africa with Europe, Asia, and the Americas. During its visit, the Nagoya Express handled 140 transshipped containers bound for New York, transferred earlier from Hapag-Lloyd’s MV Tolten, highlighting the port’s growing role in high-value cargo operations.

Port officials credit Lamu’s deep-water berths, spacious turning basin, and modern handling facilities with enabling it to accommodate ultra-large vessels that face manoeuvring constraints at Mombasa Port.

The Kenya Ports Authority has invested heavily in Lamu’s infrastructure, including high-capacity ship-to-shore gantry cranes, to attract more global carriers. Industry observers say the anticipated arrival of CMA CGM vessels next week could further strengthen Lamu’s position as a competitive alternative to Mombasa for regional and international trade.