In a significant boost to Kenya’s maritime sector, container vessel MV Derby D made her inaugural call at the Port of Lamu this morning after departing from Mombasa at 10:00 a.m.
The vessel is set to load 371 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) of transshipment cargo destined for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, before setting sail tomorrow morning.
Captain William Ruto, Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) piloted the CMA-CGM vessel which was also registering her maiden call.
This event highlights the strategic importance of the Port of Lamu in enhancing regional trade connectivity. Developed under the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project,the Port of Lamu is designed to serve as a critical transshipment hub for East and Central Africa.
The Port boasts berths that are 400 meters long and a depth of up to 17.5 meters, allowing it to accommodate larger vessels compared to the Port of Mombasa , whose berths average 300 meters in length and 15 meters in depth.
Captain Ruto emphasized the Port’s potential, stating, “The arrival of MV Derby D demonstrates that global shipping lines are recognizing Lamu as a viable alternative for regional trade. We expect more vessels to follow as we continue positioning Lamu as a key gateway for East and Central Africa.” He added.
KPA’s focus on Lamu Port comes at a time of global shipping disruptions, aiming to position it as a premier transshipment hub. The port’s strategic location and capacity to handle larger vessels offer a competitive advantage in attracting transshipment traffic. Recent milestones, such as the docking of MV Hong Kong Bridge with 371 TEUs of cargo bound for Dar es Salaam, further highlight Lamu Port’s growing role in regional trade.
As Lamu Port continues to operationalize its facilities, KPA is actively engaging with shipping lines to bolster the port’s utilization. The integration of Lamu Port into the regional maritime network is expected to enhance trade efficiency and economic growth in the region.
Meanwhile the Master of MV Derby D Captain Chernov Pavel has heaped praises on the Port of Lamu facility describing it as suitable to handle larger carriers.” This Port is a great infrastructure , I am impressed, and I am looking forward to coming back again.” He added.
He was speaking after receiving certificate of First call and a Plaque from the General Manager ,Lamu Port Eng. Vincent Sidai on behalf of the Managing Director Captain William Ruto. The brief ceremony at the quay apron is a customary tradition for maiden callers. He was flanked by Chief Officer Khaia Dmitrii.
Source : KPA
