The Grande Shanghai, one of the Grimaldi Group’s next-generation pure car and truck carriers, has completed its maiden voyage under the newly launched East Asia–East Africa service, the company said in a statement.
The ship departed from Taicang, China, in early September 2025, carrying 7,000 linear metres of rolling cargo including trucks, trailers, buses, tractors, agricultural machinery and commercial vehicles.
The route covered two key East African ports, Mombasa in Kenya and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, within the service introduced by Grimaldi in June 2025.
In both countries, the logistics partner Nisomar acted as the company’s agent, managing vehicle unloading, port agency services, customs and inland transport.
On 19 September, the Grande Shanghai made its first call at the Port of Mombasa, where it was received by the Kenya Ports Authority’s Managing Director Capt. William Ruto, Harbour Master Capt. Patrick Onyango and other officials. T
The Grande Shanghai, measuring 220 metres in length and 38 metres in beam, is one of 17 ammonia-ready vessels ordered by the Grimaldi Group to meet global decarbonization goals. With a 9,000 CEU capacity, the vessel accommodates both electric and conventional vehicles and features technologies such as solar panels, lithium batteries, cold ironing readiness, low-emission engines and drag-reducing hull coatings.
In alignment, the Kenya Ports Authority is implementing its 2024–2028 Green Port Policy, which includes developing shore power systems, renewable energy projects and low-emission cargo-handling equipment.
Two days later, on 21 September, the Grande Shanghai made its first call at Dar es Salaam Port, assisted by the Tanzania Ports Authority and DP World.
The Grande Shanghai is the largest pure car and truck carrier ever to dock at Dar es Salaam.
Grimaldi Group is an Italian multinational logistics and shipping company headquartered in Naples. It operates a global network of maritime services for /roll-off cargo, containers and passengers, and manages several brands including Grimaldi Lines, Finnlines and Minoan Lines.
