Port of Mombasa Welcomes Ammonia-Ready Mega Carrier MV Grande Shanghai on Maiden Call

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The Port of Mombasa today marked a major milestone in its green port ambitions with the arrival of MV Grande Shanghai, an ammonia-ready Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) owned by Italy’s Grimaldi Group.

The vessel made her maiden call at Ro-Ro Multipurpose Berth 1, where she was ceremonially received by the port authorities.

The 220-meter-long vessel, boasting a beam of 38 meters and a capacity of 9,000 vehicles, is part of Grimaldi’s new fleet of ten PCTCs designed to meet and exceed the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization targets.

Guided safely into berth by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Marine Pilot Captain Joshua Musee Nguku, the ship used her own bow thrusters during docking a testament to her advanced maneuvering capabilities.

Captain William Ruto, KPA managing director, officially welcomed the vessel by presenting her Master, Capt. Raccuglia Giovanni Battista, with the traditional Certificate of First Call and a commemorative plaque, underscoring the importance of the event.

“This vessel represents the future of maritime transport cleaner, smarter, and more efficient,” said Capt. Ruto.

“Her arrival is a clear demonstration of our port’s readiness to accommodate the next generation of eco-friendly ships.”

Built with advanced green technologies, including ammonia-readiness, solar panels, high-capacity batteries, and drag-reducing hull coatings, MV Grande Shanghai can cruise at 19 knots while significantly reducing emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter.

The ship is hailed as a first-generation zero-emission vessel, designed to operate sustainably in the face of growing environmental regulation and global climate demands.

Her arrival comes as KPA pushes forward with its ambitious 2024–2028 Green Port Policy, which includes investments in shore power infrastructure, renewable energy integration, and low-emission cargo handling equipment.

These efforts aim to position Mombasa as a leading sustainable maritime hub in the region.

In discussions between the two captains both seasoned Master Mariners topics extended beyond operational access to strategic collaborations that align with global green shipping trends.

“This is more than a port call it’s a convergence of innovation and intention. Kenya is committed to transforming its ports to not only serve trade but to do so responsibly,” Capt Ruto added.

As the shipping industry accelerates its transition to alternative fuels and carbon-neutral technologies, the Port of Mombasa’s ability to host such vessels places it firmly on the global map of climate-conscious maritime infrastructure.