The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
The Port of Lamu has received its first consignment of heavy construction equipment for the proposed Sh2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery, ahead of a planned groundbreaking ceremony next week.
The MV Da Yang delivered approximately 2,930 metric tonnes of heavy machinery, marking a significant development in preparations for the project, which is expected to become the first oil refinery in northern Kenya.
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Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Chief Executive Officer Captain William Ruto received the vessel after it was berthed at the port. He later presented the ship’s master, Captain Wang Shengli, with a first-call certificate and commemorative plaque.
According to KPA, the machinery will be used during construction of the refinery, which is expected to process crude oil from Lokichar in Turkana County alongside supplies from other parts of East and Southern Africa and potentially other international sources.
Ruto described the vessel’s arrival as an important milestone, saying it demonstrated the government’s commitment to supporting the refinery project and its potential impact on the wider region.
The development also places Lamu Port at the centre of the refinery’s construction logistics and could give the facility a continuing role in marine and petroleum-related operations once the refinery becomes operational.
KPA said Lamu Port is expected to handle petroleum tankers and other cargo linked to the refinery as petroleum processing and related industrial activities expand along the northern coast.
The authority said the successful reception and handling of the MV Da Yang demonstrated the port’s capacity to manage heavy and specialised cargo required for major infrastructure projects.
Ruto also assured shipping lines, businesses and other port users that Lamu was prepared to accommodate increased cargo volumes as the refinery project progresses.
KPA said it would continue focusing on efficient vessel handling, cargo operations and customer service as preparations for the refinery advance.
The refinery is part of broader plans involving the Dangote Group and Kenya’s energy sector, with the project expected to contribute to the development of an industrial and petroleum-processing hub around Lamu and support regional markets.
