The Port of Lamu has strengthened its standing in the regional shipping market after hosting the MV Nagoya Express, the longest vessel ever to dock in East African waters.
The 335-metre container ship, operated by German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd, has set a new benchmark for size in Kenya’s maritime sector. Its arrival is seen as a significant milestone in Lamu’s push to become a premier transhipment hub for trade routes linking Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
During its call, the Nagoya Express handled 140 transshipped containers bound for New York. The cargo had earlier been discharged at Lamu by another Hapag-Lloyd vessel, the MV Tolten, showcasing the port’s growing role in high-value transhipment operations.
Port managers say Lamu’s deep-water berths, spacious turning basin, and modern handling facilities position it uniquely to cater to ultra-large vessels that face manoeuvring constraints at Mombasa Port.
“This arrival proves Lamu was not built as an afterthought. It was built with vessels like the Nagoya Express in mind,” said Captain Abdulaziz Mzee, Lamu Port’s General Manager.
Captain Sylwester Mackiewicz, master of the Nagoya Express, praised the port’s efficiency and accessibility, noting the experience had exceeded expectations.
The Kenya Ports Authority has made substantial investments in Lamu’s infrastructure, including high-capacity ship-to-shore gantry cranes, to attract more global shipping lines.
Industry watchers predict the arrival of CMA CGM vessels next week will further cement Lamu’s emergence as a competitive alternative to Mombasa for regional and international cargo handling.