NAIROBI, Kenya- The Port of Lamu has recorded another significant milestone after receiving its first call by a 9,000-capacity Pure Car Carrier vessel, MV. Grande Auckland.
The vessel docked at the Kenyan port carrying hundreds of brand new motor vehicles manufactured in Europe, marking a major boost for the port’s growing role in regional maritime trade.
Port officials confirmed that a total of 469 motorcar units began rolling off the ship mid-morning after the vessel successfully berthed at the facility.
The vehicles, which are destined for markets in the Middle East, were initially scheduled for discharge at the Port of Jebel Ali, the largest and busiest port in the Middle East, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The arrival of the vessel was received by the 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 historic docking.
The Port of Lamu has once again recorded a major milestone following the maiden call by the 9000 capacity Pure Car Carrier (PCC) MV. Grande Auckland.A total of 469 brand new motorcar units manufactured in Europe in the last two years started rolling off the vessel mid-morning.
Captain Aziz commended Nisomar Shipping Agency Ltd for selecting the Port of Lamu as a strategic transshipment hub for cargo destined for the Middle East.
He described the decision to call at Lamu during the vessel’s voyage from Europe to Mumbai as a strong vote of confidence in the port’s operational efficiency and growing maritime capabilities.
According to the port management, traffic at the facility continues to grow steadily. Captain Aziz revealed that since January this year, 43 cargo vessels—including container carriers and fishing vessels—have docked at the port.
Since the port began operations, the facility has handled between 130 and 143 vessels, demonstrating its increasing importance in regional shipping and logistics.
Speaking during the event, Nisomar Shipping Agency Chartering and Business Development Manager for Africa, Munir Minas, said the Port of Lamu has proven its operational excellence since opening.
He noted that the port ranked highly in security considerations for the shipment of new vehicles and offered a closer transshipment point to the Middle East compared to alternatives such as Madagascar for vessels sailing from Europe.
The Pure Car Carrier is expected to complete the discharge of the vehicles before departing to continue its voyage.
