LAMU

• KELAU
• Latitude: -2.15967
• Longitude: 40.9467
• East Africa
• Port in Kenya

Location: Lamu Kenya

Web-site: https://www.kpa.co.ke/OurBusiness/Pages/Port-of-Lamu.aspx

Lamu Port - Kenya

Overview: Lamu Port, situated in Lamu County on the Kenyan coast, is a key component of Kenya's Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor (LAPSSET) project. This ambitious undertaking aims to boost trade and economic integration in the East African region by enhancing maritime and hinterland connectivity.

Geographical Position:

• Coordinates: Approximately 2°16'S latitude and 40°55'E longitude.
• Location: Located on the island of Manda Bay, part of the Lamu Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The port is about 240 km north of Mombasa, Kenya's primary port.

Port Specifications:

1. Terminal Infrastructure:

   • Berths: Initial plans include the development of 32 deep-water berths. As of 2023, with ongoing construction, three berths have been completed.
   • Draft: The completed berths have a draft of 17.5 meters, accommodating large Panamax and Post-Panamax vessels.
   • Length: Each berth is approximately 400 meters in length.
   • Cranes and Equipment: The port is expected to be equipped with Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes, Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes, and other modern cargo-handling equipment.

2. Cargo Handling:

   • Types of Cargo: Lamu Port is designed to handle various types of cargo, including containerized cargo, bulk cargo, traditional breakbulk cargo, and liquid cargo.
   • Capacity: The port aims to have an initial handling capacity of about 1.2 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) upon full completion of the planned infrastructure.

3. Support Facilities:

   • Logistic Zones: Adjacent to the port, logistic and industrial zones are being developed to support warehousing, distribution, and industrial activities.
   • Transport Links: The port is integrated with road, rail, and pipeline networks under the LAPSSET corridor. Notably, the proposed highways and railways will connect Lamu Port to South Sudan and Ethiopia, promoting regional trade.
   • Customs and Immigration: Modern customs and immigration facilities to streamline the processing of shipments and ease the movement of goods.

4. Environmental and Social Aspects:

   • Environmental Protection: The development plans include measures for environmental protection to mitigate impacts on the local marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
   • Community Engagement: There are initiatives to engage and benefit local communities, including employment opportunities and infrastructure development.

Strategic Importance:

• Geopolitical Reach: Lamu Port is strategically positioned to serve as an alternative maritime gateway for East Africa, reducing reliance on the Port of Mombasa and enhancing Kenya's maritime infrastructure.
• Trade Facilitation: The port is expected to facilitate trade not only within the East African Community but also with international markets in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

Challenges:

• Security Concerns: The region has faced security challenges, including threats from Al-Shabaab militants. However, significant measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of the port.
• Environmental Sensitivity: The construction and operation of the port need to carefully manage the ecological sensitivity of the Lamu region, which includes UNESCO World Heritage Sites and rich biodiversity.

Future Prospects: Upon full completion, Lamu Port is anticipated to be one of the largest and most advanced ports on the East African coast, significantly boosting Kenya’s economic prospects and positioning the country as a pivotal hub in regional trade networks.

Keywords: Lamu Port, Kenya, LAPSSET, maritime, trade, infrastructure, East Africa, cargo handling, logistics, regional connectivity