The Port of Lamu received the first bulk carrier with a consignment of fertilizer destined for the transit market of Ethiopia over the weekend. The Ethiopian government received the first shipment of 60,000 tons of fertilizer imported through the Port of Lamu from Morocco.
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics, State Minister Hon. Dhenge Boru in a press briefing noted that the inaugural arrival of Abbay II is a pivotal moment for the region and a testament to the collective vision.
The Minister said that Lamu Port is not just a harbour but the heartbeat of the Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia (LAPSSET) corridor, and a lifeline that binds Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia in terms of trade connectivity.
Managing Director Captain William Ruto in his remarks said that the Port of Lamu stands ready to further enhance its capacity and capabilities to meet the growing demands of international trade.
Recently, KPA acquired three state-of-the-art Super Post Panamax Ship-to-Shore (STS) gantry cranes. These cutting-edge cranes, equipped with advanced technology and capabilities, will revolutionize Lamu port operations and position the Port as a global maritime hub.
“The procurement of these cranes, at a total cost of USD 31,493,808 (including CIF), underscores our commitment to managing our premier ports, including the Port of Mombasa and Port of Lamu. These ports serve as vital gateways for regional and international trade, connecting our nation to the global economy,” Captain Ruto said.
What sets these cranes apart is their advanced technology and capabilities. With a reach of 24 containers across and the ability to handle modern vessels of over 18,000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), these cranes are equipped to compete with the best ports in the world and attract Super Post Panamax vessels, according to Captain Ruto
The cranes have been specifically designed to address the unique challenges posed by Lamu’s windy conditions, with twin-box booms ensuring stability and operational reliability. The LAPSSET has entered a new phase of development.
As one of the 11 Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative projects, the LAPSSET Corridor Program was admitted at the AU Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, in June 2015. This visionary initiative aims to connect the East Coast of Africa to the West Coast through the proposed East-West Trans-African Corridor.
The LAPSSET Corridor Program encompasses a vast network of infrastructure projects, including highways, railways, and international airports. These projects not only enhance connectivity but also promote regional stability and prosperity. The ensuing commissioning of infrastructure such as Isiolo Airport and the Moyale One Stop Border Post (OSBP) further demonstrates Kenya’s dedication to advancing the LAPSSET agenda, Captain Ruto added.
In addition to its role in facilitating trade, the Port of Lamu hosts and catalyzes broader development initiatives, including the Lamu Special Economic Zone (SEZ). With objectives ranging from expanding production to promoting local entrepreneurship, the SEZ holds the promise of unlocking Lamu’s full economic potential.
“As we celebrate this milestone achievement, let us reaffirm our commitment to realizing the full potential of Lamu Port and the LAPSSET Corridor Program. Together, we can build a future of prosperity and opportunity for all Kenyans,” Captain Ruto said.
Recently, Kenya and Ethiopia agreed to fight insecurity, review tariffs, and fast-track the completion of infrastructure projects to facilitate the seamless flow of cargo from Lamu to Ethiopia.
The two governments held a meeting in Nairobi, where Kenya assured Addis Ababa of a functional Port of Lamu, with a superstructure, cargo yard, operational equipment, port workshop, warehouses, office space, and accommodation facilities.
Lamu port depth will attract transshipment cargo for Tanzania, Mombasa, Somalia, the Indian Ocean Islands of Comoros, Madagascar, the Seychelles, and South Africa, which is prone to on and off congestion, which makes Lamu port an attractive alternative, according to Silvester Kututa, the managing director and founder of Express Shipping and Logistics (ESL).
Last month, Garissa County Commissioner Mr. Mohamed Mwabudzo assured the LAPSSET Corridor project road contractors of adequate security as they embarked on the works.
The future is dazzling if the corridor is extended beyond South Sudan and Ethiopia, according to Kututa, who said that it should also be extended to reach West Africa’s Douala-Lagos-Cotonou-Abidjan Corridor and run through Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, creating synergies for a mega-market for the port.
This article was published by Githua Kihara, an editorial consultant for FEAFFA’s Freight Logistics Magazine. For any inquiries, please contact us via email at editorial@feaffa.com or freightlogistics@feaffa.com, or reach out to Andrew Onionga directly at onionga@feaffa.com / +254733780240.
