Lamu Port

February 7th 2024 –

The meeting with President Ruto – discussed regional issues including the development of the Lamu Port- South Sudan -Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor which is one of the key infrastructure projects that is expected to be the major catalyst for integration between Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. Ethiopia has commenced the use of Kenya’s Port of Lamu in a bid to diversify trade routes. A report by Addis fortune indicates the plan by land-locked Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa, is aimed at reducing reliance on ports in Djibouti. Ethiopia’s Transport Minister Alemu Sime told Parliament the initial consignment of fertiliser is expected to dock in Lamu. Thereafter, Addis will use the same port to export livestock.

Lamu Port

Background on Lapsset

The new tarmac road runs from Lamu port all the way to Nairobi, eventually onto Isiolo, Ethiopia and Southern-Sudan.

The tarmac road from Lamu port to Nairobi has been completed. However, the extension of the road from Isiolo to Ethiopia and Southern Sudan is still under construction as part of the LAPSSET project. The project is being implemented in phases, and work is ongoing to extend the road further to connect with Ethiopia and Southern Sudan. It is expected that once completed, the road will provide a crucial transport link for these neighbouring countries to access the Indian Ocean through Kenya.

The construction of the first three berths, out of the expected 32, began with dredging works in December 2016. The first berth has been ready since 2019, but the itineraries of the three Head of States involved in the project did not coincide, causing the delay in its commissioning.

The New Horizon Consortium has now been formed in April 2024 to take the project forward.

Alemu stressed the move to explore alternative trade routes through Lamu demonstrates Addis Ababa’s proactive approach towards addressing the logistical and security issues plaguing its main trade route through Djibouti. Ethiopian sources indicate the Djibouti route is considerably expensive and has in recent terms been marred by uncertainties following instability within the Red Sea.

Moffatt & Nichol experience that will benefit Lamu Port

Moffatt & Nichol experience – Khalifa Port is Abu Dhabi Ports’ flagship, Deepwater port built to accommodate the largest ships existing at the time it was built. It is a state-of-the art gateway to Abu Dhabi and handles all of the emirate’s container traffic.

Decarbonising Shipping

Moffatt & Nichol –

The port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe. We manage, operate and develop the Rotterdam port and industrial area and are responsible for ensuring safe and expedient shipping services. They are proud of their current port and are working hard with their partners to build the port of the future. Looking ahead, they aim to create an environmentally-friendly, inclusive and safe port. The port operates on Energy Transition and a Circular Economic basis.

Port of Rotterdam

As of September 2021, two berths have been constructed in Lamu port, also known as the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project. These berths are part of the initial phase of development, with plans for further expansion in the future.