The Grimaldi Group, Italy’s largest shipowning company, has taken delivery of the Eco Napoli, the final vessel in its groundbreaking Grimaldi Green 5th Generation (GG5G) series, marking the completion of all 14 hybrid ro-ro ships in this innovative fleet. Built at the Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing, China, the Eco Napoli is one of the most environmentally advanced ro-ro units designed for short-sea shipping, underscoring Grimaldi’s commitment to sustainable maritime transport.
A Technological Leap in Short-Sea Ro-Ro Shipping
The Italian-flagged Eco Napoli measures 238 meters in length, 34 meters in beam, and has a gross tonnage of 67,311 tonnes. It boasts a service speed of 20.8 knots and offers double the cargo capacity compared to previous ro-ro vessels in Grimaldi’s fleet. Featuring seven decks (two of which are hoistable), the ship can accommodate 7,800 linear meters of rolling freight—approximately 500 trailers and 180 cars.
Despite the increase in capacity, the vessel maintains the same fuel consumption as its predecessors, cutting CO₂ emissions per transported unit by 50%. This efficiency is achieved through advanced fuel optimization technologies, making it a significant contributor to Grimaldi’s decarbonization strategy.
Eco-Friendly Innovations for Lower Emissions
The Eco Napoli is equipped with state-of-the-art, electronically controlled engines and an exhaust gas cleaning system, significantly reducing sulphur and particulate emissions. Moreover, its cutting-edge hybrid power system ensures minimal environmental impact during port stays. The vessel features mega lithium batteries with a total power of 5 MWh, allowing for zero emissions while docked. These batteries are recharged during sailing using shaft generators and 350 m² of solar panels, reinforcing Grimaldi’s sustainability efforts.
Strengthening the Motorways of the Sea
“With the arrival of the Eco Napoli, the GG5G fleet is finally complete: fourteen hybrid ro-ro units, with a total value exceeding $1 billion, which in recent years have revolutionized short-sea transport in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe,” said Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Naples-based group. “Thanks to their outstanding operational and environmental performance, and our continued investments in the routes we serve, we will continue to enhance our Motorways of the Sea, offering more capacity, efficiency, and sustainability.”
Deployment in the Mediterranean
The Eco Napoli is set to arrive in the Mediterranean in early May, where it will transport 7,800 linear meters of rolling cargo, including cars, vans, trucks, and agricultural machinery. The vessel will be deployed on Grimaldi’s established short-sea routes, strengthening connections between Gemlik, Ambarli, Patras, and Trieste.
About Grimaldi Group
The Grimaldi Group is Italy’s largest shipowning company and a global leader in maritime transport of rolling freight. The company is also the European leader in the Motorways of the Sea, providing vital short-sea shipping routes across Europe.
Wholly owned by the Grimaldi family, the Naples-based group is led by Gianluca Grimaldi, Emanuele Grimaldi, and Diego Pacella. In addition to its shipping operations, Grimaldi manages a network of port terminals and logistics companies, offering integrated supply chain solutions. The company is also active in passenger and container transport.
Key Facts About Grimaldi Group:
- 18,000 employees worldwide
- 130 vessels in operation
- Serving 150 ports across 50 countries on five continents
- Operator of 20 port terminals
With the delivery of the Eco Napoli, Grimaldi continues to push forward with its sustainability-driven fleet expansion, solidifying its position as a leader in eco-friendly short-sea shipping solutions.
Source Grimaldi Group