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Port of Lamu

KELAU🇰🇪Kenya

Port Location

About Port of Lamu

Lamu is a small, sheltered natural harbor on Kenya's coast. It handles bulk carriers, container ships, and general cargo vessels, with channel depths of up to 6.1 meters. Pilotage is compulsory.

Background
Lamu or Lamu Town is a small town on Lamu Island, which in turn is a part of the Lamu Archipelago in Kenya. Situated 341 kilometres (212 mi) by road northeast of Mombasa that ends at Mokowe Jetty, from where the sea channel has to be crossed to reach Lamu Island, it is the headquarter of Lamu County and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
8.07m
Channel Depth
5ft
Tidal Range
3ft
Elevation
-9999m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Unknown
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Unknown
Drydock
U
Repair Code
N

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
47110 →
GeoNames ID
189737 →
Wikidata
Q272799 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
KELAU
Country
🇰🇪Kenya
Time Zone
UTC+3
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Fair

Region

Area
East Africa
Latitude
-2.1597°
Longitude
40.9467°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Lamu?+
The controlling depth at Lamu is 8.07 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Lamu?+
The approach to Lamu is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Shela Range Front Lighthouse at 8.5 NM to the SSW. Other aids include Shela Range Rear (8.5 NM SSW), Ras Kitau Range Front (8.8 NM S), Ras Kitau Range Rear (8.8 NM S), Tana River County Lighthouse (33.5 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Lamu on?+
The Port of Lamu is situated on the Indian Ocean in KE. The area falls within the equatorial climate zone with warm waters year-round, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Lamu?+
You can track vessels near Lamu (KELAU) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for KELAU on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Lamu?+
The Port of Lamu operates in the UTC+3 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Lamu?+
LAMU (UN/Locode: KELAU), Kenya is a seaport located at approximately -2.15967° N, 40.94673° E.
Where is the Port of Lamu located?+
Coordinates: -2.15967° N, 40.94673° E.
What facilities are available at the Port of Lamu?+
Harbor type/size: Coastal Natural and Small. Depths: channel depth 4.9m - 6.1m; anchorage depth 4.9m - 6.1m; cargo pier depth 4.9m - 6.1m and maximum draft approx. 8.07 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Lamu?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Lamu?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: not available; radio (VHF): not available; air services: available; rail: not available; ETA message: not required; quarantine pratique: not available; deratting certificate: not available and first port of entry: not available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: not available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Lamu?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, General Cargo, Passenger and Tugs Harbor Craft.