In the coming days, through Easter and after, the Port of Lamu is set to witness a significant spike in vessel calls.
This reflects growth of regional trade and steady emergence of Lamu as a formidable transshipment hub on the African continent.
Also, it reflects a vote of confidence from international shipping operators as well as evidence that the port is rapidly transforming from a strategic aspiration into a bustling economic reality.
Speaking at a media briefing at the port, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Capt. William Ruto painted an optimistic picture of the facility’s trajectory.
He noted that early indicators already point to robust growth in cargo volumes, driven by a steady rise in vessel traffic.
Notably, Lamu is increasingly becoming the preferred destination for car carriers, a specialized segment of the shipping industry that demands efficiency, reliability, and deep-water access.
This trend was underscored on Wednesday of March 18, 2026 with the reception of the MV Grande Florida Palermo on its maiden call to Lamu. Operated by the Italian shipping giant Grimaldi Lines, the vessel docked laden with 3,800 motor vehicle units and assorted spare parts.
Capt. Ruto, who presided over the reception, hailed the arrival as a testament to the port’s rising stature. “We are delighted to welcome MV Grande Florida Palermo on its maiden call to Lamu. This is yet another affirmation of the trust global operators are placing in our port,” he stated.
The call is timely, as it follows closely on the heels of the MV Grande Auckland, a sister vessel that discharged 469 motor vehicle units just a week ago.
The back-to-back arrivals of these car carriers suggest that Lamu is being integrated into the regular itineraries of major shipping lines. This momentum is further validated by next week’s expected arrival of yet another vessel set to discharge approximately 5,000 motor vehicle units—a volume that would represent a substantial injection into the regional automotive supply chain.
Capt. Ruto described this pattern as a “strong signal of strengthened commercial activities and growing confidence among shippers.” This confidence is quantifiable. The port’s performance metrics tell a compelling story of exponential growth.
From January to date, Lamu has recorded 74 vessels. More impressively, the port posted an impressive total cargo throughput of 799,161 metric tons last year. This figure stands in stark contrast to the 74,380 metric tons recorded in 2024, representing a staggering tenfold increase driven primarily by containerized cargo.
Such a leap is indicative of a port that has moved beyond its infancy and is now handling significant, complex trade flows.
This surge in activity aligns with the port’s grand vision. The Port of Lamu is a cornerstone of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) corridor project, designed to open up new trade routes and alleviate pressure on the Port of Mombasa.
As more shipping lines introduce regular services to Lamu, the promise of sustained cargo volumes becomes a tangible reality. This diversification is crucial for Kenya’s economic resilience, offering redundancy in port capacity and fostering competition that can drive down logistics costs for importers and exporters across the region.
Recently, Mombasa-based journalists were conducted on a tour of the facility by the General Manager, Capt. Abdulaziz Mzee. They were shown the port’s expansive infrastructure including the deep berths, the modern cargo handling equipment.
The manager also assured the port users of security and cargo safety.
Lamu is poised to inject fresh momentum into regional trade, catalyzing economic development not only for Kenya but for the vast and resource-rich hinterland it is designed to serve.