Auramarine has been selected to supply methanol fuel systems for six next-generation Ro-Pax vessels being built for the Grimaldi Group, supporting the operator’s net-zero ambitions in the Mediterranean. The dual-fuel vessels, scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030, will feature methanol-capable engines and multiple green technologies aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions per cargo unit by more than 50% compared with existing tonnage.
Turku | May 19, 2026 – Auramarine has secured a major contract to supply methanol fuel supply systems for six new Ro-Pax vessels being built for the Grimaldi Group, reinforcing the growing role of methanol in the decarbonisation strategies of Mediterranean shipping operators.
The vessels, ordered from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai), will operate under the Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines brands and are designed to run on methanol-capable dual-fuel engines as part of Grimaldi’s long-term net-zero ambitions.
Six Methanol-Ready Ro-Pax Vessels Planned for Mediterranean Operations
Under the agreement, Auramarine will deliver complete methanol fuel supply systems for all six vessels, covering the entire fuel handling process from bunkering operations to fuel delivery into the main engines.
The systems are engineered to ensure:
- Safe methanol handling
- Reliable fuel transfer and supply
- Operational efficiency
- Compliance with strict marine fuel safety regulations
Each package will include:
- Integrated control systems
- Emergency shutdown (ESD) automation
- Hazardous area safety systems
- Inerting and drainage solutions
Auramarine said the systems are specifically designed to meet stringent class and regulatory requirements governing methanol as a marine fuel.
Dual-Fuel Flexibility Central to Vessel Design
Alongside methanol systems, Auramarine will also supply conventional fuel systems for both main and auxiliary engines, enabling the vessels to operate on:
- Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO)
- Marine Gas Oil (MGO)
- Biofuels
This dual-fuel capability is increasingly viewed as essential for shipowners seeking operational flexibility amid evolving fuel markets and tightening emissions regulations. The ability to switch between fuels allows operators to optimise fuel costs while maintaining compliance with future environmental requirements.
Industry stakeholders also view dual-fuel configurations as critical for preserving vessel charter attractiveness and long-term asset value during the maritime energy transition.
Green Technologies Target Major Emissions Reduction
The six Ro-Pax vessels will sail under Italian and Greek flags and are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030. Beyond methanol propulsion capability, the ships will incorporate a broad suite of energy-efficiency and emissions-reduction technologies, including:
- Optimised hull and propeller designs
- Advanced energy management systems
- Shore power connectivity readiness
- Silicon-based hull coating technologies
According to project estimates, these combined measures are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions per transported cargo unit by more than 50% compared with vessels currently operating on the same Mediterranean routes.
Expanding Partnership Between Auramarine and Grimaldi
The latest order further deepens cooperation between Auramarine and the Grimaldi Group. It follows a previously announced agreement under which Auramarine will supply methanol, biofuel, and HFO fuel systems for three Finnlines “Hansa Superstar” Ro-Pax vessels operating on the Finland-Germany corridor.
The continued collaboration reflects growing confidence in methanol as a scalable marine fuel solution, particularly within short-sea and regional shipping markets.
Auramarine Highlights Role of Methanol in Maritime Decarbonisation
Commenting on the contract, John Bergman, CEO of Auramarine. said the project demonstrates the increasing viability of alternative fuels in commercial shipping.
“Auramarine is proud to support the Grimaldi Group’s ambitious decarbonisation roadmap with proven methanol fuel supply expertise,” Bergman said. “These new vessels highlight how alternative fuels like methanol, supported by advanced fuel supply systems and other green technologies, can deliver substantial emissions reductions in the Mediterranean.”
“By enabling the safe and efficient use of methanol across Grimaldi’s next generation Ro-Pax fleet, Auramarine confirms its position as a trusted partner for shipowners advancing the adoption of alternative marine fuels.”
Methanol Continues Gaining Ground in Marine Fuel Transition
Methanol has rapidly emerged as one of the leading alternative fuel candidates for shipping due to:
- Growing global fuel availability
- Compatibility with dual-fuel engine technologies
- Lower emissions profile compared with conventional marine fuels
- Easier storage and handling relative to some alternative fuels
The latest Grimaldi order adds further momentum to methanol adoption in the Ro-Ro and passenger shipping sectors, where operators face increasing pressure to decarbonise regional trade lanes.
Auramarine Expands Position in Alternative Fuel Infrastructure
Auramarine continues to strengthen its role in marine fuel supply infrastructure as shipping transitions toward low- and zero-carbon fuels.
Headquartered in Turku, Finland, the company specialises in fuel supply and auxiliary systems for the maritime sector, with operations spanning Europe, Asia, and North America. Auramarine maintains offices in Finland and China, alongside service hubs in Singapore and the United States, supported by representatives across more than 25 countries globally.
The company says its strategy centres on combining engineering expertise, safety-focused system design, and lifecycle support to help shipowners navigate the rapidly evolving marine fuel landscape.
Source: Auramarine Ltd.