Vessels Enroute Middle East Divert to Lamu Port for Safety

By Mwakwaya Raymond

Lamu Port has received a second vessel carrying 3,800 vehicles originally destined for the Middle East.

Kenyan authorities said on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 as ongoing conflict in the region disrupts shipping routes and maritime trade.

The Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project said the vessel, Grande Florida, operated by Grimaldi Group, docked at the port with its cargo of vehicles from Yokohama in Japan.

The shipment had initially been scheduled for discharge at Port of Jebel Ali, but was diverted due to escalating hostilities between Israel-US and Iran conflict which has so far affected several countries in Middle East region.

Kenya Ports Authority managing director Captain William Ruto said the car carrier has a capacity of 9,000 units adding that the latest delivery brings the total number of vehicles handled at Lamu Port to over 4,200.

The vehicles will be stored in the port’s warehouses as authorities anticipate further diversions.

“Lamu Port is expecting more vessels to divert, as several shipping agents have already inquired about docking space. Port activity is expected to progress upwards as the year goes by,” he said.

The development comes as hostilities in the Middle East enter their 19th day, thus, disrupting key maritime trade routes and forcing shipping companies to seek alternative ports along the Indian Ocean corridor.

Earlier this month, on March 10, 2026 another 9,000-capacity pure car carrier, MV Grande Auckland, made its maiden call at Lamu Port, offloading 469 vehicles manufactured in Europe. That shipment had also been rerouted from Jebel Ali.

Since January this year, a total of 43 vessels have docked at Lamu Port reflecting growing confidence in the facility’s efficiency and its strategic position along global shipping lanes.

Meanwhile, the port general manager Captain Abdulaziz Mzee has assured Port users that the cargo offloaded at the port is safe and secure.

He said Lamu port has a detailed security apparatus in force and that goods on transit will reach the original destination in good order and condition.

“We have a responsible security force on place to take charge of all cargo on transit.”

Currently, the port enjoys about 95% of transshipment business.