Italian shipping line Grimaldi Group has taken delivery of the Grande Shanghai, the first of ten next-generation pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessels from China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu.
The first five units, including the Grande Shanghai, have a capacity of 9 000 CEU (car equivalent units), with subsequent units offering up to 9 800 CEU.
The Grande Shanghai is the second ammonia-ready unit in the Grimaldi fleet and reduces fuel consumption by 50% compared with previous-generation car carriers, combining high cargo capacity with eco-sustainability.
The design of the Grande Shanghai is the result of collaboration between the Grimaldi Group and the naval design and architecture firm, Knud E. Hansen.
The vessel is 220 metres long and 38 metres wide, has a gross tonnage of 91 611, a cruising speed of 18 knots, and 14 decks. It can transport both electric and fossil-fuel vehicles across these decks.
The ship has received the ammonia-ready notation from the Italian Naval Register, certifying that it can be converted to use ammonia as a zero-carbon alternative fuel.
Additional green technologies include 5 MWh lithium batteries, cold ironing capability (shore power during port stays), 2 500 sqm of solar panels, silicon-based hull coatings to reduce drag, smart ventilation and air-conditioning controls, and an advanced exhaust gas cleaning system to reduce emissions such as sulphur oxides (SOx), particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) below TIER III levels.
Additional innovations that minimise environmental impact include an air lubrication system, optimised hull design and a gate rudder with two foil blades on either side of the propeller, improving propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability.
Group managing director Emanuele Grimaldi said the latest additions to its fleet were evidence of the line’s commitment to the ecological transition of shipping.
“Two and a half years ago, when we signed the order for these ten extraordinary new units, we decisively chose to invest in a carbon-free future by focusing on alternative fuels such as ammonia.
“An investment we continue to strongly support, as we believe that to maintain leadership in our sector, it is necessary to offer the best sea transport services with the lowest possible environmental impact.
“With cutting-edge ships like the Grande Shanghai, we will continue to support the global automotive industry with quality, efficiency, and sustainability.”
The Grande Shanghai will make its maiden voyage on the East Asia-East Africa service, launched by the Grimaldi Group last June and now on its third departure. Loaded with 7 000 lane metres of new rolling cargo units, including trucks, trailers, buses, tractors and agricultural machinery, the vessel will depart from the Chinese port of Taicang in early September and call at Mombasa and Dar es Salaam.
The group said Grande Shanghai would strengthen its services dedicated to vehicle transport between East Asia and northern Europe.
The other PCTC ammonia-ready units currently under construction for the Naples-based shipping group are scheduled for delivery between the remainder of 2025 and 2027, and will also be deployed on routes serving the Asian market.
