Coast

Ethiopia's MV Abbay II completes fertiliser offloading at Lamu Port a month later

Trucks loaded with fertiiser at Lamu Port. (Photo: KPA)

By Farhiya Hussein | Wednesday, June 26, 2024

KPA announced the successful offloading on their Facebook page, noting that the fertiliser shipment required an impressive 2,400 trucks for transportation.

The Ethiopian bulker carrier MV Abbay II has completed offloading 60,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser at the Port of Lamu, a month after the vessel docked.

This event highlights significant milestones for the newly established port.

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The Kenya Port Authority (KPA) announced the successful offloading on their Facebook page, noting that the fertiliser shipment required an impressive 2,400 trucks for transportation.

KPA noted the logistical feat highlights the scale of operations managed at Lamu Port and the collaboration between Kenyan and Ethiopian authorities.

Ethiopian State Minister for Transport Alemu Sime attended the ship's send-off, signalling strong bilateral relations and Ethiopia's support for Lamu Port's future as a strategic logistics hub.

“This event marks several significant milestones for Lamu Port. It's the first time a conventional cargo ship has offloaded cargo at the port, highlighting the strategic importance of Kenya's second port. The unloading process attracted a record number of casual labourers thus invigorating Lamu's economy, transforming the UNESCO heritage town into a bustling hub operating around the clock to accommodate the influx of truckers,” KPA stated.

Trucks loaded with fertiiser at Lamu Port. (Photo: KPA)

In May, Lamu Port received 60,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser aboard MV Abbay II, marking the vessel's maiden call. Top Ethiopian government officials, including Agriculture Minister Girma Amante, State Minister of the Ministry of Transport Dange Boru, and CEO of Ethiopia Shipping and Logistics Beniso Amelo, were present to receive the vessel. Their presence highlighted the significance of this shipment for Ethiopia's agricultural sector.

According to the KPA then, the shipment not only marked the vessel's first voyage to Lamu but also signified the inaugural cargo bound for the transit market through this strategic port.

The fertiliser consignment is expected to be the first of many cargo movements that Lamu Port will handle, reinforcing its role as a key logistics hub in the region.