Lamu Port receives its largest ship ever to dock
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 7, 2025Lamu Port has made history by receiving the biggest ship ever to dock in Kenya.
The vessel measures an impressive 335 metres in length and discharged 140 containers at the port.
“The Port of Lamu today received MV Nagoya Express, the longest vessel ever to dock at an East African port, in what KPA said is a game-changing moment for regional maritime trade,” KPA wrote on X in a statement issued on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
“The 335-meter container vessel, operated by German shipping line Hapag-Lloyd, picked up 140 transshipped TEUs destined for New York. The cargo was earlier discharged at Lamu by MV Tolten, also under Hapag-Lloyd.”
“This arrival marks a major milestone for the Lamu Port, which has already handled over 100 vessels since it was commissioned in 2021. The port currently has three fully completed berths, each 400 metres long, making it capable of handling up to three large vessels at once,” the Authority added.
“The vessel was guided in by KPA Chief Pilot Captain Suleiman Bakari, assisted by Captain Abdulaziz Mzee, the General Manager for Lamu Port. Both were on deck to oversee safe berthing at Berth No. 2. Two CMA CGM vessels are expected next week, reinforcing Lamu’s position as a rising regional hub. KPA said the port is no longer testing waters — it is now anchoring East Africa’s maritime future.”
Lamu Port’s location is highly strategic. It sits on a competitive route for most vessels travelling to and from the Indian Ocean. This gives it an advantage over other ports in the region, as ships can save both time and fuel.
Lamu Port expands capacity
In addition, the port boasts a large post-Panamax handling capacity, which means it can accommodate very large ships that cannot pass through the older Panama Canal. It is also equipped with a dual-port access channel, making vessel movements safer and more efficient.
The LAPSSET Corridor, which includes roads, railways, pipelines, and other infrastructure, is aimed at boosting trade between Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. Lamu Port plays a crucial role in this vision, acting as a gateway for goods and cargo to flow more easily across the region.
This event highlights Kenya’s expanding capacity in maritime trade and also positions the country as a future leader in port services along the eastern coast of Africa.