Mombasa Port Receives First LNG-Powered Container Ship

The Port of Mombasa has received its first large gas-powered container ship, in a docking Kenya Ports Authority is describing as a milestone for the country’s green maritime ambitions.

The vessel, CMA CGM Adventure, called at the port on Monday running primarily on Liquefied Natural Gas rather than the heavy fuel oil that has powered cargo shipping for decades. Built in late 2024, it measures 268 metres in length with a beam of 43 metres and a cargo capacity of 7,378 TEUs.

“Instead of heavy fuel oil, this vessel sails on chilled gas and does not leave behind the usual cloud of exhaust,” KPA said. “For the Port of Mombasa, this vessel’s maiden voyage was more than ceremonial. It was symbolic.”

At a reception for the vessel’s first call, KPA Chief Executive Officer Captain William Ruto said the arrival reflects a broader industry shift. “These vessels are now the norm as the industry goes green and champions sustainability and conservation of the environment,” he said. He added that more environmentally friendly vessels are expected at Mombasa and other regional ports.

CMA CGM Group said the ship’s advanced green shipping technology reflects its “strong commitment towards sustainable maritime transport and operational excellence.”

The CMA CGM Adventure is the third LNG-powered vessel to dock at Mombasa in under six months. Norwegian-flagged vehicle carrier Höegh Australis became the first LNG-fuelled vessel to call at the port in December 2025, arriving after an 11-day voyage from Singapore. A second LNG car carrier, MV Global Fuji, followed in April 2026. Monday’s arrival is the first involving a container ship,  the class of vessel central to global trade volumes.

KPA said the port is evolving alongside the vessels it receives. Under its Green Ports Policy, the authority is expanding solar installations, introducing hybrid cargo-handling equipment, and rolling out shore power technology that allows docked ships to cut engines and connect to land-supplied electricity. Mangrove restoration projects along the coast are also underway.

The developments come as international maritime regulations tighten. The International Maritime Organization approved a Net-Zero Framework in April 2025 combining mandatory emissions limits and GHG pricing across the shipping sector, targeting net-zero by or around 2050. Interim targets require a 20% emissions cut by 2030 and 70% by 2040 against 2008 levels.

Mombasa serves as the primary maritime gateway for Kenya and several landlocked neighbours including Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and parts of eastern DRC.

KPA said more LNG-powered and other low-emission vessels are expected as global shipping accelerates its green transition.

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