MV Atlas One makes inaugural call at Mombasa Port, strengthening trade links with Asia

The Mombasa Port on Wednesday marked a significant milestone in its expanding trade links with Asia as the MV Atlas One, a Singaporean-flagged container ship managed by One Line Shipping, made its inaugural call.

The vessel, arriving after a ten-day journey from Singapore, discharged 1,701 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) and loaded 1,600 TEUs during its maiden visit.

According to the Kenya Port Authority (KPA), the arrival of MV Atlas One is expected to bolster Mombasa's role as a key maritime hub, with the vessel set to call at the port at least once a month.

Following its departure from Mombasa, the ship will return to Singapore before heading to Shanghai, China, and then back to Mombasa, reinforcing a critical trade route that connects East Africa with major Asian markets.

KPA Managing Director William Ruto highlighted the importance of this development, noting that the growing frequency of new vessel calls is a direct result of Mombasa Port’s enhanced operational capabilities.

He credited the port’s increased capacity and improved efficiency for attracting more international shipping lines. "The upsizing of calls to Mombasa by One Line Shipping is clear evidence that the shipping line is making strategic decisions aligned with market demands," Captain Ruto said.

MV Atlas One at Mombasa Port. (Farhiya Hussein)

During the vessel's welcoming ceremony, Captain Ruto presented the MV Atlas One’s Master, Captain Kyaw Nyi, with a Certificate of First Call and a commemorative plaque, in keeping with the port's tradition.

He also reaffirmed the port's commitment to fostering strong partnerships with shipping lines. “KPA believes in partnerships, and we are dedicated to supporting our partners to ensure mutual growth,” Captain Ruto added.

The MV Atlas One is part of the East Africa Service 3, a shipping consortium that includes Pacific International Lines (PIL), Hapag-Lloyd, and Gold Star Line (GSL). This service will offer direct weekly sailings between China, Southeast Asia, Kenya, and Tanzania, ensuring efficient transit times and further strengthening trade links between these regions.

“The addition of the MV Atlas One to Mombasa’s regular shipping schedule underscores the port’s pivotal role in facilitating global trade and its ongoing efforts to maintain its status as the leading maritime gateway on the East African coast.”