Mombasa, Lamu dock more ships as Dar lags - The EastAfrican

East Africa's maritime landscape is undergoing a significant realignment as Kenya's ports experience a resurgence in vessel traffic while Tanzania's primary shipping hub faces mounting operational challenges. This shift carries profound implications for European investors with supply chain interests across the region, particularly those relying on Indian Ocean logistics networks. Mombasa and Lamu ports have recorded substantial increases in ship arrivals over recent quarters, capitalizing on improved infrastructure investments and operational efficiencies. Meanwhile, Dar es Salaam—historically the region's dominant maritime gateway—has seen declining vessel traffic, signaling deeper structural issues that warrant immediate attention from investors managing East African operations. The competitive dynamics reflect broader infrastructure disparities emerging across the region. Kenya has implemented modernization initiatives at its primary ports, including enhanced cargo handling capabilities, improved vessel turnaround times, and streamlined customs procedures. These improvements directly translate into cost savings for shipping companies, making Kenyan ports increasingly attractive for regional trade flows. Lamu's development as a secondary port option has further diversified Kenya's maritime capacity, providing redundancy and competition that benefits users. Tanzania's challenges at Dar es Salaam appear multifaceted. Port congestion, aging equipment, and operational inefficiencies have created bottlenecks that discourage shipping lines from utilizing the facility. For European exporters