Businessmen Optimistic with Arrival of MV Lagos

By The COAST Reporter

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The arrival of mv Logos Hope the World’s largest book fanfare, at the Port of Mombasa next month is expected to boost the COVID troubled tourism industry.

The vessel will make her maiden voyage to the Mombasa port 18 years after her sister ship _Duolos_ last visited.

Mv Logos Hope is expected to dock at the Mbaraki Wharf, off the Likoni ferry crossing channel island ramp before opening its doors to the public from August 23rd to October 3. 

Already, an advance team is in the country to prepare for its arrival and subsequent visits by the members of the public.

According to a member of the team, Constanza Figueroa, the ship operated by Good Books for All (GBA) goal is to share knowledge, help and hope in every port of call.

The vessel has so far visited more than called 150 ports of different countries and territories.

“Visitors to Logos Hope are offered an expanded selection of over 5,000 different titles of books at affordable prices.”

“They cover a wide range of subjects including science, sports, hobbies, cookery, arts, medicine, languages, and faith.”

“With children’s titles, academic texts, dictionaries, atlases, and more, the book fair has something for everyone.”

She says the ship has an international crew including Kenyans as staff of volunteers from around 60 different countries who live and work on the ships.

Figueroa praised Kenyans for their hospitality and extended the same gesture to the over 300 volunteers that will arrive aboard the ship.

The ship crew, according to her, will promote literacy and education, cross-cultural cooperation, and social awareness, and reflect God’s compassion for the world.

“The ship crew will provide aid, and community care, and partner with local community groups to bring hope to people.”

Nicolas Civilotti, another team member says the vessel is currently sailing to Muscat, Oman after visiting Abu Dhabi, it will then sail to Seychelles before coming to the Port City of Mombasa. 

Civilotti adds that ship crew will transfer knowledge, and get in touch with local organizations dealing with health to make donations.

Inchcape marine services manager Walid Timimi says they are working with a multi-stakeholder committee to prepare for the ship’s arrival.

“We are glad we have a couple of Kenyans working on board in the engine room and hopefully as they are here they will partner with so many organizations as part of that they have engaged the Bandari Maritime Academy, in August they will be a joint training for the seafarers.”

The manager adds that there are numerous opportunities that Kenya can tap from working with GBA.

“We are glad that GBA has considered the new ship will be coming to Mombasa this time, and hopefully it will open more doors for more of their ships coming to this side of the world.” said