The Grande Shanghai, a new pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) operated by the Grimaldi Group, has completed her maiden voyage on the recently launched East Asia–East Africa service. The journey strengthens maritime connections between the two regions and supports the group’s low-emission transport strategy.
Delivered in early September 2025, the vessel departed from Taicang in China carrying around 7,000 linear metres of rolling cargo, including trucks, buses, and agricultural machinery. Her route included calls at Mombasa in Kenya and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania as part of Grimaldi’s dedicated service introduced in June 2025.
Measuring 220 metres in length with a 38-metre beam, the vessel is one of 17 ammonia-ready PCTCs ordered by Grimaldi. She has capacity for 9,000 car equivalent units (CEU) and is equipped for electric and conventional vehicles. The design incorporates solar panels, lithium batteries, and engines compatible with low-emission fuels.
Local logistics partner Nisomar acted as Grimaldi’s agent in both ports, coordinating vessel handling, customs, and inland transport.
The Grande Shanghai made her first call at Mombasa on 19 September, where she was received by officials from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). The visit included a ceremony marking the vessel’s first arrival and recognition of the port’s ongoing green initiatives under KPA’s 2024–2028 Green Port Policy.
Following Mombasa, the vessel docked at Dar es Salaam on 21 September, supported by the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) and DP World. Officials from both organisations acknowledged the significance of the service in strengthening trade through the Dar es Salaam corridor.
The Grande Shanghai is currently the largest vessel of her type to call at the port, reflecting its growing capability to handle modern roll-on/roll-off ships.
The voyage demonstrates expanding trade links between East Asia and East Africa, as well as cooperation between shipping lines, port authorities and logistics partners to promote sustainable maritime transport.
