Grimaldi Group has expanded its sustainable fleet with the delivery of the Grande Michigan, a 9,000 CEU ammonia-ready PCTC equipped with a 5 MWh battery system and solar power. Designed to cut fuel consumption by 50%, the vessel underscores the maritime industry’s shift toward zero-carbon fuels and hybrid bunkering solutions to meet tightening EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime regulations.
Naples | 12 February 2026 – Italy’s Grimaldi Group has taken delivery of its latest next-generation Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC), Grande Michigan, further strengthening its ammonia-ready fleet and expanding its sustainable deep-sea capacity on the Asia–Europe trade.
The vessel, built by China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu, is the eighth ammonia-ready PCTC delivered to the Naples-based shipping group. Designed for future conversion to ammonia propulsion, Grande Michigan represents another major step in Grimaldi’s decarbonization strategy.
With a transport capacity of 9,000 CEU and fuel consumption reduced by up to 50% compared with previous-generation car carriers, the vessel combines large-scale cargo efficiency with advanced environmental performance.
High Capacity, Lower Emissions
Measuring 220 metres in length with a 38-metre beam and gross tonnage of 93,145 tonnes, Grande Michigan cruises at 18 knots and offers 14 cargo decks capable of carrying both electric vehicles and conventional fossil-fuel powered units.
Her maximum capacity reaches 9,000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units), positioning her among the highest-capacity PCTCs currently operating on global routes.
The vessel’s name pays tribute to the U.S. state of Michigan, a historic centre of the automotive industry and long-standing partner region for Grimaldi’s transatlantic and deep-sea automotive logistics operations.
Ammonia-Ready Certification
Grande Michigan has received the Ammonia Ready class notation from RINA (Italian Shipping Register), certifying that the vessel is structurally and technically prepared for future conversion to ammonia as a zero-carbon marine fuel.
While ammonia propulsion is not yet widely available commercially, ammonia-ready vessels are increasingly viewed as strategic assets in anticipation of stricter IMO decarbonization targets and tightening EU climate regulations.
Cutting Fuel Consumption by 50%
Beyond ammonia readiness, the vessel integrates multiple energy-efficiency and emissions-reduction technologies that enable a 50% reduction in fuel consumption per transported unit compared to older PCTCs.
Key sustainability features include:
- 5 MWh mega lithium battery system enabling zero-emission port stays
- Cold ironing capability, allowing shore power connection where available
- 2,500 m² of solar panels supporting onboard energy needs
- Silicon-based hull coatings to reduce hydrodynamic resistance
- Smart ventilation and air conditioning optimisation systems
- Electronically controlled main engine with exhaust gas cleaning system to reduce SOx and particulate matter
- Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system reducing NOx emissions below IMO Tier III levels
The vessel has also been awarded the following class notations:
- Green Plus
- Green Star 3
- Comfort Vibration
- Comfort Noise Port
Advanced Propulsion Innovation
Among its most notable innovations is the installation of a Gate Rudder system, deployed for the first time on a PCTC vessel. The system consists of twin foil-shaped blades positioned on either side of the propeller, improving propulsion efficiency and maneuverability.
Additional technologies include:
- Air Lubrication System reducing hull friction
- Optimised hull form for improved hydrodynamics
Together, these solutions significantly reduce energy consumption while enhancing vessel handling performance.
Supporting Automotive Trade Growth
According to Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Grimaldi Group:
“We are increasingly proud of our fleet, which continues to expand, shaped by innovation and environmental sustainability, qualities that distinguish the Grande Michigan and all the new vessels we have commissioned in recent years. Through our investments, we are making our services ever more efficient, supporting the sustainable transition of maritime transport and the growth of the global automotive industry.”
The vessel is already preparing for her maiden voyage on the Asia–Europe service. In the coming days, she will depart from Taicang, China, carrying more than 7,000 cars and vans, along with over 100 additional rolling units, including heavy vehicles, mafi trailers, and project cargo, bound for key Mediterranean ports.
Strategic Timing Amid Regulatory Pressure
The delivery of Grande Michigan comes as regulatory frameworks such as FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) increase financial exposure for high-emission shipping operations.
By investing in ammonia-ready tonnage and hybrid energy systems, Grimaldi is positioning its fleet for:
- Future alternative fuel conversion
- Lower CII ratings
- Reduced fuel cost exposure
- Compliance with tightening EU and IMO climate targets
The delivery reinforces Grimaldi’s strategy of combining fleet expansion with deep decarbonization readiness, particularly in the fast-growing global automotive logistics sector.
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