How clean-energy vessels are steering shipping toward a low-carbon future

Its maiden call at Mombasa came at a time when global attention had shifted to Kenya, with leaders, policymakers and maritime stakeholders from across the world gathering for the 11th Our Ocean Conference to discuss the health of the world's oceans and the future of sustainable trade.

As nearly 80 per cent of global commodities are transported by sea, ports have increasingly become frontline players in the battle against climate change. Across Africa, authorities are under pressure to reduce emissions while maintaining the efficiency needed to support economic growth.

At the Port of Mombasa, efforts are ongoing to position it as one of Africa's emerging green ports through investments in renewable energy, modern cargo handling systems and ecosystem restoration.

The push towards cleaner ports has largely been driven by regulations introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). One of the most significant changes has been the implementation of the global Sulphur cap, which reduced the amount of Sulphur allowed in marine fuel from 3.5 per cent to 0.5 per cent.

The move was aimed at reducing Sulphur Oxides (SOx), pollutants associated with respiratory illnesses, acid rain and environmental degradation.

As a result, shipping companies around the world have been compelled to abandon traditional heavy fuel oil in favour of cleaner alternatives such as low-Sulphur fuel oil, LNG and biofuels.

Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) Director General Omae Nyarandi says Kenya has made notable progress in implementing the green ports agenda championed by the IMO.

"Mombasa Port is on the right track, although there is still much work to be done. Green ports are the way to go," said Mr Nyarandi.

Former US Secretary of State John Kerry, founder of the Our Ocean Conference, argued that the responsibility of addressing carbon emissions should not fall on African countries alone.

"African ports are doing a commendable job, but countries and regions responsible for the highest levels of pollution should also shoulder their responsibility," he said.

For Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), the arrival of vessels fuelled with clean energy signalled the changing face of global shipping.

The 268-metre-long vessel has a carrying capacity of 7,378 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) and belongs to a new generation of ships designed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Instead of relying on heavy fuel oil, the ship runs primarily on chilled natural gas, drastically reducing harmful emissions.

In 2025, the port received its first liquefied natural gas fuelled vessel, Höegh Australis. The vessel operates on 98 per cent liquefied natural gas, with the remaining two per cent made up of conventional bunker fuel used during engine start up and for specific operational requirements.

"These vessels are increasingly becoming the norm as the industry embraces sustainability and champions environmental conservation," said KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto during the vessel's traditional maiden call ceremony.

But the transformation extends beyond the ships arriving at the port. KPA has embarked on several initiatives aimed at reducing emissions generated within port operations.

Solar energy installations are being expanded across port facilities to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while hybrid cargo-handling equipment is gradually replacing conventional machinery.

Modern cold-chain infrastructure has also been introduced to improve energy efficiency and reduce losses associated with handling perishable cargo.

Another innovation under consideration is shore power technology, commonly referred to as cold ironing. The system allows vessels to switch off their engines while berthed and connect directly to electricity supplied from land, significantly reducing emissions, fuel consumption and noise pollution.

Meanwhile, the maritime industry continues to explore alternative propulsion systems. Ironically, one of the newest solutions is rooted in centuries-old traditions.

Long before modern engines dominated the seas, ancient Egyptian sailors, Swahili traders and Portuguese explorers relied on prevailing winds to navigate African waters.

Advanced technologies 

Today, wind power is making a comeback through advanced technologies such as Flettner rotors, rigid wing sails and automated kite systems that help ships reduce fuel consumption.

More than 100 commercial vessels around the world are already operating with wind-assisted propulsion systems, while companies such as Windcoop and Neoliner are developing low-carbon shipping routes linking Europe and Africa.

Mombasa's green transformation has not gone unnoticed. In October 2025, KPA emerged among winners at the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) Sustainability Awards held in Kobe, Japan, defeating more than 500 international participants.

The authority won the Environmental Care category for its Mangrove Restoration for Ocean Protection and Increased Forest Cover Project along Kenya's coastline. The award recognised efforts to integrate environmental conservation into port operations while promoting sustainable port management.

Captain Ruto says implementation of the Green Ports Policy remains central to KPA's long-term vision.

"The Green Ports Policy is key to our efforts to create eco-friendly ports that support economic growth in East Africa while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals," he said.

As conversations on climate change and ocean conservation continue, experts believe Africa has a rare opportunity to position itself as a leader in sustainable maritime trade.

By combining cleaner vessels, renewable energy, ecosystem restoration and innovative port management, the continent's ports could prove that economic growth and environmental stewardship need not be mutually exclusive.

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