Lake Victoria's First Roll-on/Roll-off Cargo Ship Begins Service.
A new freight vessel launched this week promises to cut cargo travel times across Lake Victoria from four days to 18 hours. The M.V. Mpungu, built in Uganda, can carry 21 trucks loaded with up to 1,000 tonnes of cargo.
East Africa Marine Transport owns the ship, and Grindrod Logistics Africa—Uganda handles operations. The $20 million project earned recognition from FAST Infra for its sustainable design.
"This vessel marks a milestone for East Africa," said Uganda's Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, at the launch ceremony. She spoke on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni.
British funding helped build the ship through the Private Infrastructure Development Group. "This project created 140 local jobs," said British High Commissioner Lisa Chesney. The Netherlands and Switzerland also backed the venture.
The 96-meter vessel runs twice weekly between Port Bell, Uganda, and Mwanza, Tanzania. The company plans more routes, including service to Kenya. To further lower emissions, it's exploring cleaner fuel options.
Twenty mariners trained to work aboard the Mpungu. Women make up 30% of the crew. Four team members study at Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute to become officers.
Local schoolchildren named the ship Mpungu after eagles seen flying over Lake Victoria. The vessel includes sleeping areas and dining spaces for truck drivers during crossings.
The project addresses trade barriers in East Africa, where poor roads slow commerce. Regional leaders want Lake Victoria to become a major trade route. Studies suggest Africa needs 100 more ships like the Mpungu to support continental free trade goals.
Captain Konsi Mgawe led tours of the ship at its launch. The vessel meets international safety and pollution prevention standards under Bureau Veritas certification.
A new freight vessel launched this week promises to cut cargo travel times across Lake Victoria from four days to 18 hours. The M.V. Mpungu, built in Uganda, can carry 21 trucks loaded with up to 1,000 tonnes of cargo.
East Africa Marine Transport owns the ship, and Grindrod Logistics Africa—Uganda handles operations. The $20 million project earned recognition from FAST Infra for its sustainable design.
"This vessel marks a milestone for East Africa," said Uganda's Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, at the launch ceremony. She spoke on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni.
British funding helped build the ship through the Private Infrastructure Development Group. "This project created 140 local jobs," said British High Commissioner Lisa Chesney. The Netherlands and Switzerland also backed the venture.
The 96-meter vessel runs twice weekly between Port Bell, Uganda, and Mwanza, Tanzania. The company plans more routes, including service to Kenya. To further lower emissions, it's exploring cleaner fuel options.
Twenty mariners trained to work aboard the Mpungu. Women make up 30% of the crew. Four team members study at Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute to become officers.
Local schoolchildren named the ship Mpungu after eagles seen flying over Lake Victoria. The vessel includes sleeping areas and dining spaces for truck drivers during crossings.
The project addresses trade barriers in East Africa, where poor roads slow commerce. Regional leaders want Lake Victoria to become a major trade route. Studies suggest Africa needs 100 more ships like the Mpungu to support continental free trade goals.
Captain Konsi Mgawe led tours of the ship at its launch. The vessel meets international safety and pollution prevention standards under Bureau Veritas certification.
