This archive report was first published on 20 July 2021.
Published on July 20, 2021, Lamu Port has received a large cargo vessel, reaffirming its position as a vital transhipment hub in East Africa.
The vessel, MV Spirit, owned by French shipping firm CMA CGM, arrived at the newly constructed berth of Lamu Port, boosting the facility's ability to handle international shipping.
According to John Mwangemi, Kenya Ports Authority MD, Lamu Port has proven its capability to handle colossal transhipment cargo ferried by respected shipping lines.
The port's first berth was unveiled in May this year, opening up the facility to docking large cargo vessels that will also ferry goods within the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia (LAPSSET) transport corridor.
Located within the Lamu archipelago, a world heritage site, the port is being constructed by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and will comprise 32 berths when complete.
With a total cost of KSh 310 billion (US$2.86 billion), the facility is poised to be the biggest deepwater port in Sub-Saharan Africa, significantly boosting regional trade and connectivity.
Following the arrival of MV Spirit, more vessels are expected to discharge cargo destined for other regions in Africa and beyond.
John Mwangemi emphasized the port's capability to handle Panamax and post-Panamax vessels with a capacity of over 10,000 TEUs, with two additional berths set to be operationalized by the end of the year.
