Lamu Port has recorded a major milestone after receiving the largest vessel ever to dock at a Kenyan port, marking a significant boost for the country’s maritime trade ambitions.

The container ship, MV Nagoya Express, which spans an impressive 335 meters in length, discharged 140 containers and later picked up an equal number of transshipped TEUs bound for New York.

Operated by German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd, the vessel’s arrival underscores the growing importance of Lamu Port as a regional logistics hub.

According to a statement from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) on Thursday, August 7, 2025, this historic docking demonstrates Lamu Port’s capacity to handle large post-Panamax vessels, thanks to its deep-water design and modern infrastructure.

The ship was safely guided to Berth No. 2 by KPA Chief Pilot Captain Suleiman Bakari and Lamu Port General Manager Captain Abdulaziz Mzee. KPA noted that the port, which has processed over 100 vessels since its commissioning in 2021, now has three fully completed 400-metre-long berths, allowing it to serve multiple large vessels simultaneously.

Lamu’s strategic location along the Indian Ocean gives it a competitive edge by offering shorter and more fuel-efficient routes for cargo ships. The port also features a dual-access channel that enhances navigational safety. With two CMA CGM vessels expected in the coming week, authorities say Lamu is cementing its place as a key maritime gateway for East Africa.

This development comes as part of the broader LAPSSET Corridor initiative, which seeks to transform regional trade by linking Kenya with South Sudan and Ethiopia through a network of roads, railways, pipelines, and ports.

Lamu Port is at the heart of this vision, facilitating faster and more efficient cargo movement across the region. The docking of MV Nagoya Express not only demonstrates Kenya’s growing maritime capabilities but also reinforces its position as a future leader in port operations along the East African coastline.