The Lamu Port has received 3800 cars from a diverted vessel, as conflict disrupts the Dubai route. The port’s vessel capacity is expected to increase the number of vessel calls in the coming days, boosting the development of regional trade.
According to a statement from the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, the cars were destined for Port Jebel Ali in Dubai, following the ongoing conflict.
“Lamu Port received its second car vessel, which was transporting 3800 cars from Yokohama, Japan, originally destined for Port Jebel Ali, Dubai, following the ongoing conflict. The vessel, Grande Florida, belongs to Grimaldi Shipping Line. It has a capacity of 9, 000,” part of the statement trade.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director (MD) Captain William Ruto presided over the reception of the MV Grande Florida Palermo on her maiden call at the Port of Lamu.
In addition to receiving the 3,800 vehicle units, the MV Grande Florida Palermo operated by the Grimaldi Lines also had assorted spare parts.
The receipt of the second car vessel at the port increased the number of vehicles to over 4,200, which will be stored in the Port’s warehouses.
Additionally, the statement noted an expected increase in vessel diversions, with several shipping agents already inquiring about docking space.
According to the KPA, increasing the number of vessels will strengthen the position of the Lamu port as a leading transshipment hub in the region.
KPA, MD Captain William Ruto, speaking at a media briefing at the Port of Lamu, stated that major shipping lines had shown confidence in the second commercial port’s growing capacity.
In his media briefing, Captain William disclosed that the port expected another car carrier to discharge 5,000 motor vehicle units next week.
This development signals stronger commercial activity and growing confidence among shippers, as Captain William explains.
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Vessels Received at the Lamu Port
Lamu Port has recorded 74 vessels from January to date, as reported by the Managing Director at the KPA.
The MV Grande Florida Palermo is at a port, making it the second car carrier to deliver after the vessel MV Grande Auckland in a week, delivering 3,800 vehicle units.
The MV Grande Auckland had discharged 469 motorcars at the port in the previous week before the MV Grande Florida Palermo.
KPA records indicate that cargo throughput totaled 799,161 metric tons last year, up from 74,380 metric tons in 2024, and was mainly driven by containerized cargo.
More cargo volume is expected at the port as shipping lines introduce regular service to Lamu.
“With more shipping lines introducing regular service to Lamu, this is a promise of more cargo volumes through the port in subsequent years,” the statement read.
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Middle East Conflict Affecting Shipping
Conflict between America, Israel, and Iran is affecting businesses and shipping companies with significant disruption to the global supply chain.
Vessels headed for the Middle East are docking at the Kenyan Ports in large numbers. According to Maritime stakeholders, over 3,200 vessels are stranded at the Strait of Hormuz, increasing the cost of shipping and insurance.
CEO of the Kenya Ships Agents Association (KSAA), Elijah Mbaru, in an interview with the Citizen TV, explained that ships destined especially for Southeast Asia and affected war regions are now preferring to dock in the Kenya ports.
He also added that the ongoing conflict has increased the charter fee from 100,000 to 400,000 USD, making exports difficult and forcing cargoes to take detours.
