Hormuz Strait closure gives a nearly idle Kenyan port a chance to turn things around

Golden Ten Data reported on March 19 that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has turned Kenya's Lamu Port into an unexpected haven, with ships bound for the Middle East changing their routes and unloading cargo at this underutilized port. The Kenya Ports Authority stated on Wednesday that Lamu Port, located about 340 kilometers (210 miles) north of the busy Mombasa Port, has received 74 ships since the beginning of this year. This accounts for about one-third of the total number of ships served by the port since it was launched in 2021. In the first quarter of last year, the port only received two container ships. Due to the near complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz, shipping companies' access to Dubai's Jebel Ali Port (the busiest container port outside Asia) has been restricted. As a result, they are avoiding the Red Sea and opting for the longer route around southern Africa. Currently, many ships are unloading cargo at Lamu Port. The Kenya Ports Authority stated: "Lamu Port is ready to welcome a significant increase in ship visits in the coming days. This development is expected to inject new momentum into regional trade and consolidate the port's position as a major transshipment hub in the region."