The LNG-powered car carrier Höegh Australis made her maiden call at the Port of Mombasa, becoming the first LNG-fuelled ship to visit the port.
The vessel was piloted in by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) chief pilot Captain Suleiman Bakari, representing KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto. A plaque and certificate of first call were presented to the ship’s master, Captain Edgar Paul P. Buhia, to mark the occasion.
Captain Bakari stated that the ship operates on approximately 98% LNG, with a small amount of conventional bunker fuel used during engine start-up and for specific operations, describing the call as a step towards cleaner shipping.
The 16-deck vessel can carry around 9,000 vehicles.
Captain Buhia said port access was smooth and confirmed the ship completed the voyage from Singapore in 11 days.
