By The News Booth Desk
Email: info.newsbooth@gmail.com
The Port of Lamu has etched its name in maritime history by welcoming the MV Nagoya Express, the longest vessel ever to dock in East African waters. This significant event, which took place on August 7, 2025, marks a milestone for the port, further cementing its status as the region's leading transhipment hub. The MV Nagoya Express, a 335-meter container ship operated by the renowned German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd, has set a new record as the largest vessel to call at any port in Kenya and across East Africa.
The arrival of the MV Nagoya Express is not just a record-setting event but also a testament to Lamu Port's advanced infrastructure capabilities. The port's deep-water berths and wide turning basin are specifically designed to accommodate ultra-large vessels, which cannot be managed at the Port of Mombasa due to its limited turning space of 323 meters. This strategic advantage positions Lamu Port as a pivotal player in the region's maritime industry.
During its call at Lamu, the MV Nagoya Express successfully loaded 140 transshipped Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) destined for New York. These containers had initially been discharged at Lamu by another Hapag-Lloyd vessel, the MV Tolten. This efficient transhipment operation underscores the port's capability to handle complex logistics seamlessly.
Captain Abdulaziz Mzee, Lamu Port’s General Manager, highlighted the significance of this event, stating, "This arrival proves Lamu was not built as an afterthought. It was built with vessels like the Nagoya Express in mind." His sentiments were echoed by Captain Sylwester Mackiewicz, the master of the MV Nagoya Express, who praised the port's efficiency. He expressed his surprise at the smooth access to the port, acknowledging the successful execution of the entire operation.
The visit of the MV Nagoya Express underscores Lamu Port’s growing importance as a strategic transhipment hub in East Africa. Captain Mzee attributed this success to recent infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of high-capacity Ship-to-Shore (STS) gantry cranes, which enhance the port's operational capabilities.
In a further sign of Lamu’s expanding role in the maritime sector, vessels from CMA CGM, another major global shipping line, are scheduled to call at the port next week. This development reinforces Lamu Port's emergence as a regional maritime powerhouse, poised to handle increasing volumes of international trade and contribute significantly to the economic growth of Kenya and the broader East African region.
