The Port of Mombasa has confirmed the arrival of a pure liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel, the first of its kind to dock at the country's main seaport.
According to the authority, the vessel Höegh Australis docked at the port late on Friday, December 26, after an 11-day voyage from Singapore.
The ship's captain, Edgar Paul Buhia, noted that the vessel operates on 98 percent liquefied natural gas, with the remaining 2 per cent being covered by traditional bunker fuel, which is primarily used used during engine start-up and other operational requirements.
LNG significantly reduces emissions compared to ships powered by traditional fossil fuel-powered vessels, according to the captain.
KPA, in a statement, revealed that these kinds of ships specifically reduce the emissions of sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon dioxide.
"The vessel was piloted into port by Kenya Ports Authority pilot Captain Suleiman Bakari, who represented the KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto, during the call," KPA stated
"During the call, a traditional first-call plaque and certificate were issued to the vessel’s master, Captain Edgar Paul P. Buhia, to commemorate the ship’s inaugural visit to the port," it added.
The 16-deck vessel has a cargo capacity of 9000 units, which is in line with new-generation pure car and truck carrier designs, according to the authority.
"LNG-powered ships are increasingly deployed as the global maritime industry responds to stricter environmental rules under the International Maritime Organization," KPA said.
However, despite LNG-powered vessels' potential to make water transport cleaner, some challenges include fuel availability, infrastructure development, and methane emissions, according to the authority.
KPA said that the docking of the vessel also reflects the port's growing capacity to accommodate next-generation, lower-emission vessels as global shipping accelerates.
In a notice on December 17, KPA revealed that the port is set to handle 53 vessels, with 29 of them being container ships, by the new year.
