The Port of Lamu in Kenya has achieved a significant milestone with the arrival of MV Hamouna, a 366-metre container vessel. This marks a notable step in the port's development as a deep-water facility and a key transshipment and regional trade hub along the LAPSSET Corridor. The vessel's arrival underscores the port's capabilities in handling large ships.
MV Hamouna arrived at Lamu Port carrying approximately 14,500 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). About 5,200 TEUs are scheduled for discharge at the port, with the remaining containers set to be transshipped to other destinations via smaller feeder vessels. The vessel navigated 14 nautical miles through the Eastern Channel before safely berthing at the port.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Capt. William Ruto highlighted the significance of MV Hamouna's arrival. He stated that the vessel's capacity and the number of TEUs it carried demonstrate Lamu Port's rising importance as a strategic maritime hub in the region. Capt. Ruto also noted that Lamu Port has set a new record, being the first to discharge over 5,000 TEUs at once, surpassing even Mombasa Port.
The recent groundbreaking of the Dangote East Africa Refinery is expected to further boost port operations and open up more opportunities for maritime and logistics services in the region. This development, combined with the port's deep-water harbour and modern berthing infrastructure, supports its capacity to handle some of the world's largest vessels. The port's berths have a depth of about 17.5 metres, providing sufficient draught for large ships.
MV Hamouna is among the largest vessels to call at Lamu Port this year. Earlier in 2026, MV Baltimore Express, a 369-metre container vessel operated by German shipping line Hapag-Lloyd, also visited the port. In August 2025, another Hapag-Lloyd vessel, MV Nagoya Express, measuring 335 metres, set a vessel-size record at the port.
In keeping with maritime tradition, Capt. Ruto presented a certificate of first call and a plaque to the vessel's master, Capt. Mir Firoozi, during the maiden-call ceremony. This gesture acknowledges the vessel's maiden visit to the port and highlights the importance of such events in fostering relationships between ports and shipping lines.
The successful berthing of MV Hamouna at Lamu Port reinforces the port's position as a growing maritime hub in East Africa. With its deep-water capabilities and modern infrastructure, the port is well-positioned to handle increasing trade volumes and larger vessels, contributing to the region's economic growth and development.
Key points
- Lamu Port handles over 5,000 TEUs for the first time with MV Hamouna's arrival.
- The port's deep-water harbour and modern berthing infrastructure support its capacity to handle large vessels.
- The Dangote East Africa Refinery is expected to boost port operations and logistics services in the region.
