Kenya: The Port of Mombasa on Sunday, March 08, 2026 celebrated the maiden call of the M.V. Nara. It is a vessel that deployed under Akkon Line’s East Africa Service (EAS). It is a milestone that aims at strengthening maritime connectivity between the Indian Subcontinent and East Africa.
Reportedly, the Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) – Captain William Ruto, who is a career Master Mariner, navigated the ship to port before presenting a certificate of first call to the ship’s Master – Mustafa Olgun. He recognised the vessel’s arrival as a customary for inaugural visits.
Captain Ruto said that Mombasa Port remained committed to providing world-class services to the shipping partners and enhanced the Kenya’s position as a key maritime hub. He added that every maiden call strengthens regional trade and reflects the strategic vision for East Africa’s shipping sector.
The Akkon Line, a Turkish container shipping company, has expanded its presence in emerging trade corridors with the introduction of its EAS Service. It will operate on a bi-weekly schedule.
This service connects Nhava Sheva, Mundra, and Karachi in South Asia with Dar es Salaam and Mombasa. It also provides reliable cargo movement by reinforcing trade links between the regions.
Both Akkon Line and Rais Shipping Services expressed gratitude to KPA for its continued support and efficient port operations.
The launch of the EAS Service has galvanized Mombasa’s role as a key maritime gateway for East and Central Africa. It facilitated regional trade and boosted the port’s position in global shipping networks.
Furthermore, MV Nara is a 22-year-old container ship that was built in 2004. It sails under the Turkish flag, and it measures meters in length and meters in width, with a deadweight capacity of tonnes. The vessel is officially managed by Mefa Deniz Acenteligi and is owned by Akden Nakliyat Denizcilik.
The vessel operates under Akkon Line’s East Africa Service (EAS), and is a newly introduced shipping route that aims at enhancing cargo connectivity.