Lamu Port has achieved a significant milestone after successfully receiving the largest vessel ever to dock in East and Central Africa.
The 369-metre MV Baltimore Express made its historic call at the port on Sunday evening, arriving from Salalah Port in Oman.
The visit underscores Kenya’s growing capacity in deep-sea infrastructure and its increasing role in global shipping networks.
Baltimore Express arrival adds to a series of achievements at Lamu port, which has been positioning itself as a modern maritime gateway for the region.
Historic Vessel Arrival and Operational Success
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) confirmed that MV Baltimore Express, is nearly the length of three football pitches, becoming the largest container ship ever to dock in both East and Central Africa regions.
With its massive size, the vessel docked successfully at the Port of Lamu, which features a 400-metre quay per berth.
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During its stay, the vessel carried out restow operations involving dangerous cargo, carried out in compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s safety requirements.
This highlights not only the port’s physical capacity but also its adherence to international maritime safety standards.
Growing Track Record of Mega Vessel Calls at Lamu Port
The latest milestone follows closely after another record-setting visit in August 2025, when the MV Nagoya Express, a 335-metre container vessel, docked at Lamu Port.
Arrival of successive ultra-large ships signals a steady rise in Lamu’s operational profile and its ability to handle modern global shipping demands.
KPA’s General Manager Port of Lamu Captain Abdulaziz Mzee welcomed the ship, stating that Lamu port has a proven ability to handle ultra-large vessels.
“This call lifts Lamu’s profile on the global maritime map and compares to some of the world’s most developed ports like Singapore, Rotterdam and Hamburg,” said Abdulaziz.
So far, the Port of Lamu has handled more than 120 vessels, with expectations of increased traffic in the coming months.
The port’s performance is being closely watched as it gradually builds its reputation as a competitive entry point for international cargo vessels operating along the Indian Ocean trade routes.
The authority has also stated that it is scaling up its cargo-handling capacity to match the rising volume of ultra-large vessels and growing operational demand in the region.
“To complement this growth KPA is investing in modern equipment with the port expected to receive new cranes, terminal tractors and other cargo handling equipment in the course of the year,” stated KPA.
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Strategic Infrastructure and Natural Advantage
One of the key strengths of the Port of Lamu lies in its natural 17.5-metre-deep harbour, which allows Panamax and post-Panamax vessels to dock with minimal or no dredging.
This gives the port a significant advantage over many regional facilities that require continuous seabed maintenance to accommodate large ships.
This natural depth, combined with modern berth infrastructure, positions Lamu as a potential transshipment hub for East Africa.
It also reduces operational costs associated with dredging, making the port more efficient and competitive in the long term.
The Kenya Ports Authority has also confirmed ongoing investments in modern cargo-handling equipment, including new cranes and terminal tractors, to support growing demand.
Additionally, logistical efficiency is improving, with 90 motor vehicles discharged in March already evacuated from the port, to facilitate smooth cargo flow systems.
