Lamu Port welcomes first conventional cargo vessel as Mombasa hosts Indian Coast Guard Ship
Officials say the operation is not only crucial for the expansion of Mombasa Port but also signals a new phase for Lamu as a commercial hub, boosting local industries and creating job opportunities.
Lamu Port has recorded a historic breakthrough with the docking of its first conventional cargo vessel, MV Van Melody, carrying break-bulk cargo.
The vessel, operated by Oceanfront East Africa Limited, began offloading 129 coils weighing 3,550 metric tonnes.
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The cargo, earmarked for the manufacture of precast piles, will be transported by barge to Mombasa for the construction of Berth 19B at the Port of Mombasa.
Officials say the operation is not only crucial for the expansion of Mombasa Port but also signals a new phase for Lamu as a commercial hub, boosting local industries and creating job opportunities.
The milestone comes at a time when Lamu Port is experiencing a surge in activity. In August alone, the facility registered 32 vessel calls, including container carriers, conventional cargo ships, and fishing boats.
Port managers confirmed that three more container vessels are expected this week, underscoring Lamu’s growing role in regional trade.
Meanwhile, the Port of Mombasa has welcomed the Indian Coast Guard Ship Sachet as part of its deployment to African waters.
The five-day visit, running until September 21, highlights the strengthening maritime cooperation between Kenya and India.
During the stopover, personnel from both coast guards will engage in professional exchanges, joint training activities, and sports interactions aimed at improving collaboration.
A deck reception will be held on Friday on board Sachet, with Kenya Coast Guard Service Director General Rear Admiral Bruno L. Shioso as the chief guest.
The 105-metre offshore patrol vessel, commissioned into service in May 2020, is fitted with advanced surveillance and rescue systems, including facilities for operating helicopters and pollution response equipment.
Commanded by Deputy Inspector General Kamal Bharadwaj, Sachet is the first in its class built by Goa Shipyard Limited.
Residents of Mombasa will also have the opportunity to tour the vessel on Sunday morning before it sails to Cape Town, South Africa.
On the same day, Sachet will take part in a joint Passage Exercise with Kenya’s coast guard vessel MV Doria, further cementing operational ties between the two nations.
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