The Port of Mombasa today welcomed MV Grande Shanghai, an ammonia-ready pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) owned by the Grimaldi Group, on her maiden call at the Ro-Ro Multipurpose Berth 1.

The 220-meter vessel, with a beam of 38 meters and capacity for 9,000 cars, was guided into berth by KPA Marine Pilot Capt. Joshua Musee Nguku using her own bow thrusters.

She is the first of a new generation of 10 PCTCs designed to meet the International Maritime Organization’s decarbonization targets.

Capt. William Ruto, Managing Director of Kenya Ports Authority, presented the ship’s Master, Capt. Raccuglia Giovanni Battista, with the traditional Certificate of First Call and a commemorative plaque.

Built with advanced green technologies including ammonia-readiness, solar panels, high-capacity batteries, and drag-reducing hull coatings, Grande Shanghai — a first-generation zero-emission vessel — can sail at 19 knots while cutting emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulates.

KPA, under its 2024–2028 Green Port Policy, is also rolling out sustainability measures such as shore power infrastructure, renewable energy integration, and low-emission cargo handling equipment.

The two captains, both career Master Mariners, discussed beyond the usual access matters; on the ship’s arrival - symbolizing the alignment of greener vessel designs with Kenya’s efforts to transition its ports into sustainable maritime hubs.

Capt. Ruto further elaborated on the Authority’s initiatives, highlighting in particular the shore power area.