The Grande Shanghai’s maiden voyage strengthens East Asia–East Africa trade links

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 significant milestone in regional logistics and maritime sustainability, connecting key ports across continents with greener, more efficient transport solutions.

Days after her delivery, in early September 2025 the Grande Shanghai departed from the Chinese port of Taicang, loaded with 7,000 linear metres of brand-new rolling cargo, including trucks, trailers, buses, tractors, agricultural machinery and commercial vehicles. The vessel’s route included two strategic ports on the East African coast — Mombasa (Kenya) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) — as part of a dedicated service launched by the Grimaldi Group in June 2025.

Acting as the shipping company’s agent in Kenya and Tanzania, local logistics partner Nisomar smoothly and effectively coordinated the unloading of thousands of vehicles as well as port agency services, customs and inland transport in both Mombasa and Dar es Salaam.

First-ever call at Mombasa Port

On 19 September, the Grande Shanghai made her first-ever call at the Port of Mombasa. Upon arrival at Ro-Ro Multipurpose Berth 1, the vessel was welcomed by the Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Capt. William Ruto, along with the Harbour Master Capt. Patrick Onyango and senior port officials. The vessel was guided into berth by KPA Marine Pilot Capt. Joshua Musee Nguku, using her own advanced bow thrusters.

The port community warmly welcomed Grimaldi’s eco-friendly vessel, reinforcing the collective move towards more sustainable and environmentally conscious maritime operations.

The ceremony included the presentation of a traditional Certificate of First Call and a commemorative plaque to the ship’s Master Capt. Giovanni Battista Raccuglia. This moment celebrated not just the arrival of the vessel, but a shared vision for Mombasa’s transformation into a regional maritime hub in line with global green shipping standards.

Measuring 220 metres in length with a beam of 38 metres, the Grande Shanghai is one of the 17 ammonia-ready vessels designed and ordered by the Grimaldi Group to meet global decarbonization goals. With a capacity of 9,000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units) available for both electric vehicles and those powered by fossil fuels, she incorporates cutting-edge green technologies such as solar panels, high-capacity lithium batteries, cold ironing readiness, drag-reducing hull coatings and low-emission engines.

Meanwhile, as part of its 2024–2028 Green Port Policy, KPA is also investing in complementary infrastructure such as shore power connections, renewable energy sources and low-emission cargo handling equipment — all compatible with the Grande Shanghai’s sustainable profile.

Nisomar expressed its pride in having supported Grimaldi Lines in successfully handling its first vessel call in Mombasa, marking a key step in their operational goals. This collaboration not only reflects a shared commitment to efficiency and excellence but also complements the growing green initiatives in the port. The shared aim is to pursue a course towards a cleaner, greener and smarter future for shipping.

Continued success at Dar es Salaam

Following Mombasa, on 21 September the Grande Shanghai made her first call at Dar es Salaam Port, where she docked at the Ro-Ro terminal with operational support from the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) and transport and logistics operator DP World.

The port call was marked by a formal reception attended, among others, by Dar es Salaam Port Director Gallus Abed, representing TPA, and DP World Tanzania Corporate Affairs Manager Elitunu Mallamia. In their speeches, both commended the Grimaldi Group for choosing to serve the Dar es Salaam corridor, recognizing the strategic importance of this service. Representatives of the Grimaldi Group were also present, headed by Girolamo Carignani, Head of Quality Control.

Notably, the Grande Shanghai is the largest Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC) ever to dock at the port — a milestone that highlights the growing capabilities of Dar es Salaam’s port infrastructure and its readiness to accommodate increasingly large and modern vessels.

This event also reflects the Grimaldi Group’s commitment to supporting the vigorous economic growth of Tanzania, which has one of Africa’s fastest developing economies. By enhancing maritime connectivity and offering efficient, sustainable transport solutions, the Group contributes to the development of regional trade and logistics, in line with the country’s ambition to become a key gateway for East and Southern Africa.

A shared vision for sustainable supply chains

The Grande Shanghai’s maiden voyage represents more than just a successful logistical operation. It is a statement of intent: the goals are to deepen trade integration, accelerate sustainable transport and position East African ports as critical hubs in the global supply chain.

The voyage also highlights the value of cross-sector partnerships — with the Grimaldi Group, Nisomar Group and local port authorities working together to enhance regional capabilities.

From Taicang to Mombasa to Dar es Salaam, the journey of the Grande Shanghai is not just a route — it is a roadmap for the future of maritime trade.