Lamu Port has made history by becoming the first harbor in East and Central Africa to welcome the biggest vessel ever to anchor in the region.
The ship responsible for this achievement is the MV Baltimore Express, an enormous 369-meter container vessel operated by the German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd, which arrived at the port on Sunday evening coming from Salalah Port in Oman.
“The Port of Lamu made history on Sunday evening by receiving the largest ship to ever dock at any harbor in East and Central Africa,” the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) reported.
To comprehend the sheer size of this ship, it spans nearly the length of three standard football fields plus an additional 69 meters. Most regional ports would face challenges accommodating a vessel of this magnitude without extensive preparations.
In preparation for this massive ship, KPA confirmed that Lamu Port was ready for this historic occasion, as the port’s quays measure 400 meters in length per berth, providing sufficient space to bring in the gigantic vessel without complications, allowing it to dock smoothly without any issues.
Moreover, the port is situated in a naturally deep harbor with 17.5 meters of depth, enabling even the world’s largest ships to enter directly with minimal seabed clearance, a capability that most African ports lack.
During its time at Lamu, the vessel performed restows of dangerous cargo, relocating hazardous materials on board in strict adherence to regulations established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the international body responsible for maritime safety standards.
Captain Abdulaziz Mzee, the KPA General Manager for the Port of Lamu, personally greeted the vessel, describing the successful docking as a strong demonstration of the port’s capability to handle the most demanding global shipping traffic.
“This arrival elevates Lamu’s standing on the international maritime scene, placing it alongside some of the world’s most advanced ports such as Singapore, Rotterdam and Hamburg,” stated Captain Mzee.
According to KPA, this achievement is not an isolated event. In August 2025, a related vessel, the MV Nagoya Express, a 335-meter container ship, had previously set the record at Lamu.
Many competing ports across Africa invest heavily in dredging operations to maintain sufficient seabed depth for large vessels.
Locally, the rival Mombasa Port, which is pursuing expansion and modernization, could potentially present tough competition to Lamu Port.
Lamu Port continues to hold advantages over other ports, with further developments anticipated in the near future. KPA is also investing in new cranes, terminal tractors, and additional equipment, expected to arrive later this year, to further establish the port’s capacity for achieving greater accomplishments.