LAMU, Kenya- The Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor has received more than 4,200 vehicles at the Port of Lamu, after shipments originally bound for the Middle East were redirected due to disruptions caused by the ongoing U.S.–Israel–Iran war.
The latest diversion follows escalating hostilities in the Gulf region, including a severe crisis in the Strait of Hormuz that has halted much of the shipping traffic through that major maritime route, prompting global carriers to avoid the area.
Kenya Ports Authority officials said the MV Grande Florida Palermo, carrying 3,800 vehicles from Japan originally destined for Port Jebel Ali in Dubai, was rerouted to Lamu where its cargo will be stored in port warehouses.
The Port of Lamu is geared up for a spike in vessel calls in the coming days, a development that is expected to inject fresh momentum into regional trade and strengthen the Port’s position as a leading transshipment hub in the region.Speaking at a media briefing at the Port of
A previous vessel had already delivered several hundred cars, bringing total vehicle volumes at the port to over 4,200 units awaiting onward transport or storage.
The influx of diverted shipments reflects wider disruption across global supply chains as conflict-related risks in Middle Eastern waters drive up insurance costs and force maritime firms to seek alternate ports.
Local authorities say the developments are boosting Lamu’s profile as a strategic regional hub, even as they underscore the broader economic impacts of the prolonged conflict.
