History Made as Lamu Port Handles 5,200 TEUs From Massive 366m Container Ship

History Made as Lamu Port Handles 5,200 TEUs From Massive 366m Container Ship

The Port of Lamu has recorded a major milestone after receiving MV Hamouna, a massive Iranian-flagged container vessel that discharged approximately 5,200 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) at the facility.

The 366-metre-long vessel arrived at Lamu Port on Saturday, October 3, carrying about 14,500 TEUs of cargo. Of the total shipment, approximately 5,200 TEUs were scheduled for discharge at Lamu.

The containers will then be transported to different destinations through smaller feeder vessels, further highlighting the port’s growing role in regional transshipment and maritime trade.

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) described the arrival as another major achievement for Lamu Port, which has increasingly attracted large container vessels since becoming operational.

“The Port of Lamu on Saturday recorded another significant milestone after welcoming MV Hamouna, a massive container vessel measuring 366 metres in length overall (LOA).”

KPA said the vessel’s size and cargo capacity demonstrated the growing ability of Lamu Port to handle large-scale maritime operations.

“Apart from its impressive size, MV Hamouna arrived carrying approximately 14,500 TEUs, with about 5,200 TEUs scheduled for discharge at Lamu Port. The containers will subsequently be transshipped to various destinations by smaller feeder vessels,” the authority said.

Lamu Port sets new container record

KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto said the latest operation represented a new record for the facility and marked an important step in Lamu’s development as a regional maritime hub.

According to Ruto, the vessel became the first to discharge more than 5,000 TEUs in a single operation at the port.

“This is the first vessel to discharge over 5,000 TEUs at once. Even our Mombasa Port has not surpassed this figure, making Lamu Port the next frontier in the maritime industry,” Captain Ruto said.

The milestone places Lamu among the Kenyan ports capable of handling some of the world’s largest container ships.

The latest achievement follows other major vessel calls at the facility. Earlier in 2026, the 369-metre MV Baltimore Express, operated by German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd, also docked at Lamu.

In August 2025, MV Nagoya Express, another Hapag-Lloyd vessel measuring 335 metres, had set a previous record for the size of a ship calling at the port.

Deep-water harbour gives Lamu an advantage

KPA attributed Lamu’s ability to accommodate large vessels to its deep-water harbour and modern berthing facilities.

The port’s berths have a depth of approximately 17.5 metres, providing the draught required by large container ships.

“The Port of Lamu’s ability to accommodate some of the world’s largest vessels is supported by its deep-water harbour and modern berthing infrastructure. Its berths have a depth of approximately 17.5 metres, providing sufficient draught for large vessels,” KPA said.

The latest container milestone comes at a time when Lamu is receiving increased attention because of major investments planned around the port.

Dangote refinery to boost Lamu

On September 30, President William Ruto and Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote broke ground for a planned KSh2.2 trillion oil refinery project in Lamu.

The project is expected to expand economic activity around the port and create demand for transport, logistics, engineering and maritime services.

Ruto has said the refinery project could create up to 60,000 direct and indirect jobs, with construction and related activities expected to run for about 40 months.

With large container vessels now calling at Lamu and major industrial projects taking shape around the facility, the latest operation is likely to further strengthen the port’s position in Kenya’s maritime and regional trade network.

ALSO READ: Senator Okiya Omtatah Makes Changes to Team as 2027 Presidential Plans Take Shape

History Made as Lamu Port Handles 5,200 TEUs From Massive 366m Container Ship