Mombasa Port Receives First LNG-Powered Vessel

Mombasa, Kenya – The Port of Mombasa has made a significant stride towards reducing emissions by welcoming its first-ever liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered tanker. The vessel, named Mv Arctic Tern, recently berthed at the port, delivering a consignment of palm oil from Malaysia.

The arrival of Mv Arctic Tern aligns with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (Marpol Convention) and demonstrates the port’s commitment to environmental sustainability. As emissions regulations tighten, many ship owners are turning to alternative fuels, and LNG is emerging as a popular choice.

LNG, which is produced from natural gas extracted from underground reserves, offers a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels. When burned, LNG emits significantly lower levels of pollutants compared to heavy fuels, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

The Port of Mombasa joins a growing number of seaports worldwide that are implementing Marpol, the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) primary convention for preventing marine pollution.

Julius Koech, Director of Maritime Safety at the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), emphasized the importance of using alternative fuels to mitigate the effects of climate change. “LNG offers a significant cost benefit to ship owners while also reducing emissions,” he said.

To comply with Marpol regulations, ships must obtain an International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate. This requires the use of low-sulphur fuel oil, which can be produced by blending high-sulphur fuel with a low-sulphur component.

Koech anticipates that more LNG-powered vessels will enter the market as shipping companies strive to meet anti-pollution laws. “The international goal of decarbonizing the shipping industry by 2050 will drive this trend,” he said.

The Port of Mombasa has been actively working to reduce emissions. Last year, it implemented the IMO Global Sulphur Cap 2020 rule, which mandated the use of low-sulphur fuel for all seagoing vessels. This measure aimed to reduce sulphur oxide emissions by 77 percent.

Mombasa-based companies Alba Petroleum and Alfoss Energy Ltd were contracted to supply ships with fuel containing 0.5 percent sulphur, significantly reducing emissions compared to the previous limit of 3.5 percent.