World’s Largest Floating Library, MV Logos Hope Docks in Kenya
It is a boon for the tourism and education industries that the world’s largest floating library, with 5,000 different book titles and 350 crew members from 70 different nations, has moored in Mombasa for 45 days.
MV Logos Hope, flying the flag of Malta, has a total length of 132.5 meters, a breadth of 20.8 meters, a draft of 5.2 meters, and a carrying capacity of 12,519 gross tons. She made her maiden voyage to Mombasa 18 years after her sister ship, Duolos, had been there.
It arrived at the Mbaraki quay shortly before 9:00 a.m., having departed from the Seychelles.
Three KPA tugboats escorted the ship into port with a traditional maritime water cannon salutation.
After a prominent inauguration ceremony, the ship, which has passengers from over 70 nationalities, will be open to the public for ship tours.
It will allow members of the public to select and purchase books from a wide variety of disciplines, including science, sports, hobbies, language, religion, cooking, and medicine.
The public will have the opportunity to investigate the vessel’s other amenities, such as the international café, visitor’s deck, and reception area, among others.
The mission of the GBA (Good Books for All) ship is to spread knowledge, assistance, and hope in each port it visits. It has reached out to more than 150 nations and territories.
Hajj Masemo, the chief corporate communication officer for Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), stated that the tourism season has officially begun with the approach of the MV Logos Hope.
Masemo reported that it was of great significance for the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) as they marked the commencement of their tourism season. He noted that while the typical tourism season runs from September to March, this year’s season had an early start, which was seen as a positive sign.
He went on to explain that the MV Logos Hope, a mobile library and the world’s largest, had arrived, carrying an extensive collection of 5,000 books. The vessel, originating from the Seychelles, was set to stay for a duration of 45 days, offering an exceptional opportunity for the community.
He added that bibliophiles will be able to purchase any book they desire on the ship, and business will flourish in Mombasa.
“We anticipate a substantial amount of commerce between city residents and the vessel. There has been a renaissance of crew business since the COVID-19 pandemic, and more cruise ships are arriving, he said, imploring passengers to board the vessel.
CECM for Education Mbwarali Kame stated that they anticipated mentorship program participants from Mvita, Likoni, Nyali, and Kisauni sub-counties to visit the library first.
“Mombasa County will enter into an agreement with the ship’s management to purchase and distribute books to schools,” stated CEC Kame.
Mohamed Osman, CECM for Trade and Tourism, stated that they were well prepared to manage the ship’s crew as they visited Mombasa’s tourist attractions.
Osman stated that the arrival of the vessel is one of the strategies to attract travelers, and plans are in the works for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to set up tents near the vessel to sell their products in order to boost their economies.
“We have negotiated for the revival of tourism with the Ministry of Blue Economy. “More cruise ships ought to dock in Mombasa,” Osman disclosed.
Constanza Figueroa, a member of the vessel’s advanced preparation crew, stated that the ship has already visited 150 countries worldwide. She commended various agencies for their assistance in the ship’s arrival in the country.
This is a team effort. Numerous individuals contributed to making this feasible. Please don’t miss the opportunity to visit the world’s largest floating book fair from the 24th of August to the 3rd of October,” Figueroa said.
Christine Chongo, a Kenyan sailor, serves as the ship’s First Engineer, while three others serve as volunteers.
Mr. Walid Timimi, Marine Services Manager at Inchcape Shipping Services, the vessel’s local ground handling agents, stated that the vessel’s visit and lengthy stay demonstrate Kenya’s allure as a tourist destination.
He stated that as of today at 1 p.m., after the normal clearance of all passengers, the ship will begin accepting visitors.
Yesterday, several county officials and Mr. Francis Thoya, the Deputy Governor of Mombasa, visited the ship.
Osman Mohamed, a member of the Mombasa County Executive Committee for Tourism, and Mbwarali Kame, his counterpart for Education, praised the vessel proprietors for choosing Mombasa as their port of call.
Mohamed stated, ”We are delighted to welcome this vessel today and wish to assure everyone on board and visitors equally of a memorable stay.
Over the course of 45 days, guests will have the opportunity to investigate the ship’s many amenities, including the international café, visitors deck, and welcome area, among others.
During its port stay, people from all walks of life will not only be able to tour the ship, whose mission is to share knowledge, aid, and hope, but they will also be able to purchase literature from a vast selection.
During the ship’s stay, locals have been hired to labor as volunteers.
Engineer Julius Tai, KPA’s General Manager of Technical Services, presented the ship’s captain with a certificate commemorating the first port call.
Ms. Constanza Figuera, a member of a three-person advanced team and a programs officer onboard Logos Hope, stated that the ship will host a number of cultural and educational events both onboard and ashore.
Earlier, KPA managing director Captain William Ruto praised the vessel’s presence, deeming it significant not only for the port of Mombasa but also for the nation as a whole.
The ship’s visit suggested that Kenya is regaining her position as a cruise center in the Indian Ocean cruise circuit, he said.
Ruto reported that the Port Authority has made notable progress in enhancing cruise reception facilities.
He highlighted the completion of a state-of-the-art cruise terminal, the establishment of a dredged channel, and the implementation of enhanced security and safety measures in accordance with the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) code.
The MD praised Inchcape Shipping Agent’s exemplary arrangement to transport the vessel to Mombasa.
He expressed gratitude to the other partners who had diligently contributed to ensuring the vessels’ successful journey to Mombasa.
World’s Largest Floating Library, MV Logos Hope Docks in Kenya
