The Port of Lamu has achieved a historic milestone after welcoming the largest vessel ever to dock at any port in East and Central Africa, further cementing Kenya’s position on the global maritime stage.
On Sunday evening, the colossal MV Baltimore Express, measuring an impressive 369 meters in length overall, arrived at Lamu from Salalah Port in Oman, marking an unprecedented feat for the region’s shipping and logistics sector.
The vessel stretches nearly the length of three football pitches.
The vessel, operated by German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd, handled specialized restows of dangerous cargo during its stay, repositioning hazardous goods onboard in full compliance with International Maritime Organization regulations.
Speaking during the vessel’s arrival, Kenya Ports Authority General Manager for Lamu Port, Capt. Abdulaziz Mzee, hailed the docking as a transformative moment for both Kenya and Africa’s maritime future.
“This call lifts Lamu’s profile on the global maritime map and places it alongside some of the world’s most developed ports such as Singapore, Rotterdam, and Hamburg,” said Capt. Mzee.
He added that the successful handling of MV Baltimore Express demonstrates Lamu Port’s readiness to serve as a major international transshipment hub.
"Our infrastructure, natural depth, and strategic location make Lamu uniquely positioned to handle the new generation of mega vessels. We are not just competing regionally; we are now entering the league of world-class ports,” he said.
This latest achievement surpasses the previous regional record set in August 2025 when the 335-meter MV Nagoya Express, a sister vessel, docked at the same port.
"This natural advantage gives us a sustainable edge and positions Lamu as the port of the future,” Capt. Mzee emphasized.
Since the beginning of the year, Lamu Port has handled more than 120 vessels, with more ship calls expected in the coming weeks. To support the growing traffic, Kenya Ports Authority is investing heavily in additional cranes, terminal tractors, and modern cargo-handling equipment.
Capt. Mzee also revealed progress in vehicle cargo operations, confirming that 90 motor vehicles out of the 5,000 units discharged in March have already been evacuated from the port.
