Grimaldi Group Launches First-of-Its-Kind Car Carrier in China
In a bold stride toward maritime decarbonization, the Grimaldi Group has officially launched its first ammonia-ready car carrier, Grande Shanghai, at a landmark ceremony held at China Merchants Heavy Industries’ shipyard in Haimen, Jiangsu Province.
This historic event marked the naming of the first of ten advanced Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) designed not only for high-capacity automotive transport but also to transition seamlessly into an ammonia-fueled future. Grimaldi’s bold investment in next-generation green technologies signals its growing role in shaping the global energy transition in maritime shipping.
“This vessel isn’t just about capacity — it’s about capability,” said Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Director of Automotive Intercontinental Services. “Grande Shanghai is built to serve today’s logistics needs and tomorrow’s energy standards.”
Ammonia-Ready: Designed for the Next Fuel Revolution
Classed as “Ammonia Ready” by RINA (Registro Italiano Navale), Grande Shanghai has been constructed with propulsion and tanking systems that can be converted to run on ammonia — a zero-carbon alternative fuel that is increasingly seen as a cornerstone of the shipping industry’s path to net zero.
Ammonia bunkering infrastructure is still in its infancy, but this vessel — and the nine to follow — positions Grimaldi to transition quickly once the global ecosystem is ready.
Innovation Meets Scale
As part of Grimaldi’s broader $2.5 billion green fleet renewal strategy, Grande Shanghai sets a new bar for both cargo capacity and environmental performance. Key specs include:
- Capacity: 9,000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units); future vessels in the series will reach 9,800 CEU.
- Dimensions: 220 meters in length, 38 meters in beam, with a gross tonnage of 93,145 GT.
- Speed: Cruising at 18 knots, optimized for fuel efficiency and range.
But the most notable features lie beneath the surface — in its engineering and environmental profile.
Power and Efficiency: A New Generation of Greener Tech
Grande Shanghai is packed with green technology designed to drastically reduce emissions and operational energy costs:
- 5 MWh lithium-ion battery system — stores and redistributes energy for hotel loads and maneuvering.
- 2,500 square meters of solar panels — helping to supplement onboard power supply.
- Cold ironing ready — allowing the ship to plug into shore power and eliminate emissions at port.
- Air lubrication system — reduces hull friction and fuel consumption.
- Gate rudder propulsion — an advanced dual-blade system enhancing maneuverability and efficiency.
- Tier III NOx-compliant exhaust treatment — meets the IMO’s strictest emissions standards.
According to Grimaldi, the vessel reduces fuel consumption per transported unit by up to 50% compared to earlier generations of car carriers.
A Symbol of Global Collaboration
The launch ceremony was attended by key figures from the global maritime and diplomatic communities, including Italy’s Consul General in Shanghai, Tiziana D’Angelo — who served as godmother of the ship — and Sichuan Wu, Chairman of China Merchants Industry.
The moment underscored not only technological advancement but the strength of European–Asian cooperation in driving forward maritime sustainability.
The Road Ahead: Cleaner, Smarter Shipping
The launch of Grande Shanghai is more than a single ship entering service. It is a signpost pointing to where the global shipping industry is headed: toward flexible, scalable, and climate-aligned operations.
With the remaining nine ammonia-ready PCTCs scheduled for delivery by 2027, Grimaldi is not simply reacting to regulatory pressure — it is anticipating the next wave of propulsion technology.
“We’re building ships that can carry tomorrow’s vehicles — powered by tomorrow’s fuels,” said a Grimaldi spokesperson.
Vessel Snapshot: Grande Shanghai
| Specification | Detail |
| Capacity | 9,000 CEU (later models: 9,800 CEU) |
| Builder | China Merchants Heavy Industries |
| Classification | RINA “Ammonia-Ready”, Green Plus |
| Power Systems | 5 MWh battery, solar, gate rudder |
| Emission Controls | SCR, Tier III, cold ironing ready |
| Deployment | Europe–North Africa–Far East routes |
| Delivery Timeline | 2025–2027 |
The maritime world is watching closely as Grimaldi sets a precedent. With Grande Shanghai, we’re not just witnessing a ship launch, we’re seeing a bridge to a future where global shipping is smarter, cleaner, and ready for fuel flexibility.
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