The Grande Shanghai, one of the Grimaldi Group’s next-generation pure car and truck carriers (PCTC), has successfully completed her maiden voyage as part of the recently launched East Asia–East Africa service. The vessel’s inaugural journey marks a key milestone in sustainable maritime transport, connecting major Asian ports with East African gateways.
Departing from Taicang, China, in early September 2025, the Grande Shanghai carried 7,000 linear metres of rolling cargo — including trucks, trailers, buses, tractors, agricultural machinery, and commercial vehicles — to Mombasa, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Local logistics partner Nisomar acted as Grimaldi’s agent, coordinating vessel operations, customs, and inland logistics at both ports.
The vessel made her first-ever call at Mombasa on 19 September, where she was received by senior officials from the Kenya Ports Authority, including Managing Director Capt. William Ruto. A ceremony at Ro-Ro Multipurpose Berth 1 celebrated the occasion, with the port community presenting a commemorative plaque and emphasizing shared goals for greener, more efficient port operations.
Measuring 220 metres in length and 38 metres in beam, the Grande Shanghai is part of Grimaldi’s fleet of 17 ammonia-ready vessels designed to advance decarbonization efforts. With a capacity of 9,000 CEU, she features cutting-edge green technologies, including solar panels, lithium batteries, shore-power readiness, drag-reducing coatings, and low-emission engines.
