MV Da Yang at Lamu Port with construction machinery for the proposed Dangote East Africa Refinery.
MV Da Yang delivered 2,930 metric tonnes of construction machinery as preparations advance for the proposed refinery’s groundbreaking next week.
Lamu Port has received its first shipment of heavy machinery for the proposed Sh2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery.
The vessel MV Da Yang delivered 2,930 metric tonnes of construction machinery to the port.
The shipment arrived ahead of a groundbreaking ceremony planned for next week.
The proposed refinery would become the first oil refinery in northern Kenya if completed.
It is also expected to serve petroleum markets across the region.
Machinery Arrives Ahead of Groundbreaking
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) CEO Captain William Ruto received the vessel after it berthed at Lamu Port.
He presented the ship’s master, Captain Wang Shengli, with a first-call certificate and commemorative plaque.
KPA said the machinery will support construction of the proposed refinery.
Ruto described the arrival as an important milestone for the project.
He also said the refinery could generate benefits beyond Kenya.
However, the machinery shipment marks a construction milestone rather than the start of petroleum processing.
Refinery to Process Lokichar Crude
The proposed facility is expected to process crude oil from Lokichar in Turkana County.
KPA said the refinery could also receive crude from other parts of East and Southern Africa.
Additional supplies could also come from sources outside the two regions.
The project forms part of wider plans involving Dangote Group and Kenya’s energy sector.
Those plans envision Lamu as an industrial and petroleum-processing hub.
The refinery could therefore connect crude supplies, processing facilities and marine transport across the region.
KPA Prepares for Specialised Cargo
KPA said handling MV Da Yang demonstrated Lamu Port’s capacity for heavy and specialised cargo.
The authority said it remains ready to handle increased cargo volumes as the project progresses.
Ruto also assured shipping partners that the port can support the refinery’s construction requirements.
Once operational, the proposed facility could generate additional demand for petroleum tankers and related cargo.
For now, Lamu Port’s role remains focused on supporting construction through the handling of specialised equipment.
KPA said it will prioritise efficient vessel turnaround and coordinated cargo operations as the project advances.
