Lake Victoria’s Ro/Ro freight vessel sets sail

East Africa Marine Transport has taken a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and efficient logistics solution for Lake Victoria with the commissioning of MV MPUNGU – the lake’s first scheduled roll-on/roll-off freight vessel.

Offering faster and safer crossings and reduced carbon emissions, the fuel-efficient vessel is set to transform regional trade by cutting journey times from days to hours and supporting the decarbonisation of the region’s transport sector.

Owned by East Africa Marine Transport (EAMT) and operated by Grindrod Logistics Africa – Uganda (GLAU), a leading provider of sustainable maritime logistics in the region, MV MPUNGU provides a greener, safer alternative to congested road freight, marking a breakthrough for businesses across Uganda, Tanzania and beyond.

Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda said: “This vessel is a milestone for East Africa, advancing our trade and environmental priorities while strengthening regional ties. My thanks to everyone who brought this project to life.”

MV MPUNGU reduces transport times across Lake Victoria to just 18 hours, compared to the current three-to-four-day journey by congested roads.

With the capacity to carry up to 21 fully laden freight vehicles – the equivalent of up to 1 000 tonnes of freight – per crossing, it provides a cost-effective, efficient, and low-emission alternative for regional logistics. By alleviating road congestion, it also reduces fuel costs and mitigates risks such as theft and driver fatigue.