Milan, Italy | January 08, 2026 – The maritime energy transition has received a significant financial boost as Intesa Sanpaolo and the Grimaldi Group finalized a €162.3 million green financing deal. The transaction, executed through the bank’s IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, is earmarked for the acquisition of three state-of-the-art Pure Car & Truck Carriers (PCTCs): the Grande Egitto, Grande Pacifico, and Grande Oceania.
All three vessels are scheduled for delivery within 2026 and represent a cornerstone of Grimaldi’s massive fleet renewal program, which includes 17 new PCTCs ordered between 2022 and 2023 for a total investment exceeding USD 1.6 billion.
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Technical Spotlight: The “Ammonia Ready” Advantage
For the bunkering and marine fuel industry, the standout feature of these vessels is their Ammonia Ready class notation. Certified by RINA, this designation ensures that the ships are designed for future conversion to ammonia, a zero-carbon fuel, allowing the fleet to adapt as the global green bunkering infrastructure matures.
Beyond fuel flexibility, the vessels incorporate a “Zero Emission in Port” configuration and several high-efficiency technologies:
- Energy Storage: 5 MWh lithium-ion mega batteries to power operations during port stays.
- Solar Power: 2,500 m² of solar panels integrated into the structure.
- Cold Ironing: Full shore-to-ship power capability to eliminate local emissions.
- Drag Reduction: An advanced Air Lubrication System (ALS) that creates a carpet of bubbles under the hull, combined with an innovative Gate Rudder system to optimize propulsion.
Francesca Diviccaro, Head of Retail & Luxury at Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, commented:
“Grimaldi Euromed represents excellence in the sustainable modernisation of maritime transport. As IMI CIB, we continue to support its growth strategy. Intesa Sanpaolo has always been at the forefront of supporting businesses in their strategic investments, fostering innovation and energy transition.”
Diego Pacella, CEO of the Grimaldi Group, stated:
“The financing for the acquisition of Grande Egitto, Grande Pacifico and Grande Oceania supports our sustainable growth strategy, in which fleet modernisation is one of the key, high-impact pillars. This deal also strengthens our long-standing partnership with Intesa Sanpaolo, which continues to be one of our main banking partners.”
Financial & ESG Framework
The transaction is structured as a Green Loan, aligning with Intesa Sanpaolo’s broader ESG strategy. Under the leadership of CEO Carlo Messina, the bank has disbursed approximately €84.7 billion toward the green and circular economy between 2021 and late 2025.
For Grimaldi, this is part of a larger USD 5 billion investment plan (2018–2025) involving 48 new ships aimed at achieving a long-term goal of zero-emission maritime transport.
| Vessel Name | Capacity | Estimated Delivery | Propulsion Status |
| Grande Egitto | 9,800 CEU | 2026 | Ammonia Ready / Hybrid |
| Grande Pacifico | 9,800 CEU | 2026 | Ammonia Ready / Hybrid |
| Grande Oceania | 9,800 CEU | 2026 | Ammonia Ready / Hybrid |
Why This Matters for Maritime
As the shipping industry moves toward IMO 2030 and 2050 targets, these vessels signal a shift in demand away from traditional VLSFO toward hybrid and alternative fuel readiness. The high capacity of 9,800 CEU per ship, combined with a 50% reduction in fuel consumption compared to previous generations, sets a new benchmark for efficiency in the vehicle carrier segment.
About Grimaldi Group
The Grimaldi Group, established in 1947 and wholly owned by the Grimaldi family, is an integrated multinational logistics company and a global leader in the maritime transport sector. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, the Group specializes in the transport of cars, rolling cargo (Ro-Ro), containers, and passengers (Motorways of the Sea).
Grimaldi Group operates an extensive global network across 150 ports and 5 continents with a fleet of over 130 vessels, complemented by its own 20 port terminals and logistics companies. Key subsidiaries like Finnlines (Baltic Sea) and Minoan Lines (Greece) extend its specialized services, confirming its status as Italy’s biggest shipowning group and the world’s leading operator for rolling freight.
Source Grimaldi Group SpA