The Port of Lamu has recorded another significant milestone after the 9,000-capacity Pure Car Carrier (PCC) MV Grande Auckland made its maiden call at the facility, marking a major boost for the port’s growing role in regional and international shipping.

The vessel arrived at the port earlier today carrying 469 brand-new motor vehicles manufactured in Europe over the past two years. Discharge operations began mid-morning, with the vehicles rolling off the ship as part of a transshipment operation destined for the Middle East.

Initially, the cargo had been scheduled for discharge at the Port of Jebel Ali—the largest and busiest port in the Middle East—but shipping operators opted to reroute the shipment through Lamu, citing the port’s operational efficiency and strategic location.

The vessel was officially received by General Manager of the Port of Lamu, Captain Aziz Mzee, who presented a Certificate of First Call to the ship’s master, Captain Uros Golsuf, in recognition of the vessel’s historic first visit.

Captain Aziz commended Nisomar Shipping Agency Ltd for selecting Lamu as a transshipment point for the Middle East-bound cargo.

“We appreciate the confidence shown by Nisomar Shipping Agency in choosing the Port of Lamu as the safest and most economical transshipment port in the Indian Ocean for cargo destined for the Middle East,” said Captain Aziz.

He described the vessel’s call at Lamu during its voyage from Europe to Mumbai as a major endorsement of the port’s growing efficiency and reliability.“The decision to call at the Port of Lamu on the voyage from Europe to Mumbai is quite fulfilling and demonstrates strong confidence in the port’s operational capabilities,” he added.

Captain Aziz further revealed that the port has continued to register steady growth in vessel traffic since the start of the year.

“From January to date, we have received 43 cargo vessels, including container carriers and fishing vessels. Since the port became operational, we have handled between 130 and 143 vessels,” he said.

Officials from Nisomar Shipping Agency Ltd also reaffirmed their confidence in the port’s ability to handle international cargo efficiently.

Chartering and Business Development Manager for Africa, Munir Minas, said Lamu had emerged as the most secure and strategically located port for handling the consignment.

“The Port of Lamu has so far proven its operational excellence. In our assessment, it ranked highest in terms of security for the new motorcars and is the closest and most efficient route to the Middle East compared to alternative options such as Madagascar from Europe,” said Minas.

He added that the port’s strategic position along major shipping routes makes it an increasingly attractive option for transshipment operations.

Meanwhile, the Pure Car Carrier is expected to complete discharge operations later tonight before departing tomorrow for its next destination.

The successful handling of the vessel and its cargo further strengthens the Port of Lamu as an emerging maritime hub in the Western Indian Ocean and highlights its growing role in supporting global shipping and logistics networks.