As a part of its marketing strategy to promote the newly developed Lamu Port, the Kenya Ports Authority has invited shipping lines to tour the port.
According to reports, more than 10 shipping lines have agreed to so far to visit Kenya’s Lamu Port.
Edward Kamau, general manager corporate services at the Kenya Ports Authority told the media that, “We are taking the shipping lines to Lamu to see and appreciate the facility and infrastructure that is being put in place ahead of commissioning.”
He added,” We also want them to understand what is expected of them once we commence operations at the new port.”
The Kenya Ports Authority’s marketing strategy also includes offering promotional tariffs to logistic companies which includes a 30 days free storage period for transshipment and transit cargo, 14 days free storage period for domestic cargo and a 40 percent discount for cargo-based charges as per the Kenya Ports Authority’s tariff.
Edward Kamau also revealed that the Kenya Ports Authority will promote Lamu as a transshipment port.
Recently, Denmark’s – Maersk, which happens to be the world’s largest container shipping firm agreed to call at Lamu Port. Maersk, which is the largest container ship and supply vessel operator in the world since 1996, will connect the Lamu Port to 300 global ports.
The Kenyan government is developing the first three berths at the planned 32-berth port which is part of the Sh2.5 trillion Lamu-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor (Lapsset). The project, which was flagged off in 2012, is being completely developed by tax-payers money.
In addition, the Kenyan government is also developing the 135 kilometre long Lamu-Garsen road, which will connect Lamu to the rest of the coastal region and other parts of Kenya.