MOMBASA: The Port of Mombasa has marked a significant milestone in the maritime industry’s transition towards cleaner energy with the maiden arrival of MV Green Future, the first-ever methanol-fuelled bulk carrier to call at the Kenyan port. The vessel arrived on Tuesday, highlighting the growing adoption of alternative marine fuels and sustainable shipping technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
Owned by Japan-based Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), MV Green Future arrived at the Port of Mombasa on her maiden voyage carrying 23,126.5 metric tonnes of steel coils destined for both the Kenyan domestic market and regional transit markets. The vessel has a gross tonnage of 37,435 and is powered by low-carbon methanol, an alternative marine fuel that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 65 per cent compared with conventional heavy fuel oil, under the stated comparison.
The vessel’s arrival reflects the maritime industry’s increasing focus on adopting cleaner propulsion technologies, improving environmental performance and accelerating the decarbonisation of global shipping. It also reinforces the growing role of ports in facilitating the transition towards more sustainable maritime operations.
During the welcoming ceremony, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) General Manager, Legal Services, Mr John Turasha, representing Chief Executive Officer Captain William Ruto, presented a maiden-call certificate and commemorative plaque to the vessel’s master, Captain Loren Causine, in keeping with the Authority’s tradition of recognising vessels making their first call at the port.
Captain Causine said that following completion of the discharge of its steel coil cargo, the vessel was scheduled to proceed to the Port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
The maiden call also highlights the strengthening commercial relationship between NYK Line and the Port of Mombasa. East African Commercial and Shipping Operations Manager Emmanuel Mwasaru noted that the port handles more than six NYK Line vessels every month, including steel bulk carriers and pure car carriers. He added that additional vessel calls were expected in the following month, supported by the port’s operational efficiency.
Kenya Ports Authority is advancing its environmental sustainability objectives through its Green Ports Policy, which focuses on promoting environmentally responsible port operations and supporting the wider maritime industry’s decarbonisation efforts.
The arrival of MV Green Future represents an important step in strengthening Mombasa’s position as a regional maritime hub while demonstrating the growing importance of alternative fuels in shaping the future of international shipping. It also signals the increasing collaboration between shipping lines and port authorities in building a cleaner, more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable maritime sector.
