The Port of Mombasa has marked a significant milestone in its green transition journey with the maiden call of MV Grande Shanghai, an ammonia-ready pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) owned by Italy’s Grimaldi Group. The vessel berthed at the Ro-Ro Multipurpose Berth 1, heralding the arrival of a new generation of energy-efficient ships designed in line with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization goals.
The 220-meter-long vessel, with a beam of 38 meters and capacity for 9,000 cars, was maneuvered safely into berth under the guidance of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Marine Pilot Capt. Joshua Musee Nguku, utilizing her own bow thrusters.
During a reception ceremony on board, KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto presented the ship’s Master, Capt. Raccuglia Giovanni Battista, with the traditional Certificate of First Call alongside a commemorative plaque.
A First-Generation Green Vessel
The Grande Shanghai is the first in a fleet of 10 new-generation PCTCs being rolled out by the Grimaldi Group. The vessels are designed to cut harmful emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. Key features include ammonia-ready propulsion systems, solar panels, high-capacity batteries for auxiliary power, and drag-reducing hull coatings. Together, these innovations allow the ship to operate at speeds of up to 19 knots while significantly lowering emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
KPA noted that the vessel represents not just a technological leap for global shipping, but also a tangible example of how green design in shipbuilding aligns with Kenya’s efforts to transition its maritime gateways into sustainable hubs.
Kenya’s Green Port Policy in Action
The maiden call comes as KPA intensifies the rollout of its 2024–2028 Green Port Policy. Central to this framework are investments in shore power infrastructure, renewable energy integration, and low-emission cargo handling equipment. These initiatives are intended to cut the port’s carbon footprint while improving efficiency and competitiveness in the global supply chain.
Speaking at the ceremony, Capt. Ruto highlighted the importance of shore power in particular, noting that such infrastructure will enable vessels like the Grande Shanghai to switch off their engines at berth and plug directly into clean grid electricity — thereby reducing in-port emissions.
“The arrival of Grande Shanghai signals the convergence of shipowners’ innovation in green vessel design with Kenya’s strategic efforts to transform Mombasa into a sustainable maritime hub,” Capt. Ruto said.
Strengthening Partnerships for Decarbonization
The occasion also underscored the role of collaboration between port authorities and shipping companies in advancing maritime decarbonization. Both captains — Ruto and Raccuglia — shared their perspectives as seasoned Master Mariners, agreeing that the future of shipping will be defined by clean energy adoption and sustainable logistics practices.
The Port of Mombasa, the largest in East Africa, continues to position itself as a frontrunner in regional green port initiatives. With the call of Grande Shanghai, it has not only strengthened ties with a leading European shipping group but also reinforced Kenya’s commitment to global climate action in the maritime sector.
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