NAPLES, ITALY – July 21, 2025 – Grimaldi Group takes a giant leap toward sustainable shipping with the naming ceremony of the Grande Shanghai in Haimen, China. This milestone event marks the launch of the first of ten next-generation Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels — and notably, Grimaldi’s first ship to receive the prestigious Ammonia-Ready class notation, signaling a decisive step toward zero-carbon bunkering.
The Grande Shanghai is set to revolutionize fuel efficiency, boasting a remarkable 50% reduction in fuel consumption per cargo unit transported compared to previous generations of car carriers. This significant efficiency gain is poised to impact bunker fuel demand and operational costs for the Italian shipping giant.
Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Automotive Intercontinental Director of Grimaldi Group, joined Sichuan Wu, Chairman of China Merchants Industry, at the ceremony, which was also honored by the presence of the Italian Consul General in Shanghai, Tiziana D’Angelo, who proudly served as the vessel’s godmother.
Measuring 220 meters in length with a 38-meter beam and a gross tonnage of 93,145 tonnes, the Grande Shanghai cruises at 18 knots. It can carry up to 9,000 Car Equivalent Units (CEU), with five subsequent vessels in the series planned to offer an increased capacity of 9,800 CEU. The ship’s design expertly balances high cargo capacity with cutting-edge environmental performance.
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Ammonia Ready: A Glimpse into Carbon-Free Bunkering
The highlight for the bunkering and alternative fuels sector is the Grande Shanghai’s Ammonia Ready class notation from the Italian Shipping Registry (RINA). This certification confirms that the vessel is designed for future conversion to use ammonia as a zero-carbon fuel. Grimaldi’s forward-looking approach underscores the maritime industry’s commitment to pioneering new carbon-neutral fuels, which will fundamentally transform bunkering infrastructure and global fuel supply chains.
Immediate Environmental Gains Through Advanced Green Technologies
Beyond its future ammonia capability, the Grande Shanghai integrates a suite of innovative green technologies to optimize energy use and reduce emissions today:
- Hybrid Power Systems: Featuring mega lithium batteries totaling 5 MWh and 2,500 square meters of solar panels, enabling silent, zero-emission operations in port via cold ironing where shore power is available — drastically cutting auxiliary fuel consumption.
- Advanced Hull & Propulsion: Silicon-based hull coatings reduce hydrodynamic drag, while an Air Lubrication System generates a cushion of air bubbles beneath the hull, minimizing friction and boosting fuel efficiency.
- Innovative Rudder Design: The first PCTC vessel to feature a gate rudder with two foil blades flanking the propeller — enhancing propulsion efficiency and maneuverability for further fuel savings.
- Optimized Engine & Exhaust Systems: An electronically controlled engine, paired with an exhaust gas cleaning system (scrubber) to reduce sulfur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology limits nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions below IMO TIER III levels.
- Smart Energy Management: Intelligent ventilation and air conditioning controls further optimize onboard energy consumption.
Steel cutting for the series is confirmed for November 2025, with delivery scheduled from Q1 2027. The Grande Shanghai and her sister vessels represent Grimaldi Group’s bold course toward a more sustainable, innovative, and fuel-efficient maritime future — a clear signal of the industry’s accelerated commitment ahead of IMO 2030 decarbonization targets.
“The launch of the Grande Shanghai demonstrates Grimaldi’s leadership and commitment to a cleaner, carbon-neutral shipping industry,” said Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Automotive Intercontinental Director of Grimaldi Group. “We are proud to pioneer ammonia-ready technology and set new standards for green maritime transport.”
About Grimaldi Group
Established in 1947, Grimaldi Group is a fully integrated multinational logistics Group specialising in maritime transport of cars, rolling cargo, containers and passengers. Wholly owned by the Grimaldi family, the Group is led by Gianluca and Emanuele Grimaldi, and their brother-in-law Diego Pacella, complemented by a highly skilled international management team based globally.
Source Grimaldi Group SpA