Naples, Italy | January 13, 2026 – The Grimaldi Group has officially taken delivery of the Grande Manila, the seventh vessel in its ambitious newbuilding program designed to bridge the gap between traditional propulsion and a zero-carbon future.
The delivery and christening ceremony, held yesterday at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) yard, marks a significant expansion of the Italian shipping giant’s “Ammonia-Ready” fleet. The 77,500 GT Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC) is set to enter the competitive Asia-Europe trade lane immediately, signaling Grimaldi’s dual commitment to technological innovation and the burgeoning Asian automotive market.
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Technical Specifications & Sustainability Profile
The Grande Manila is more than a capacity upgrade; it is a sophisticated piece of maritime engineering aimed at slashing the carbon intensity of vehicle logistics.
- Capacity: 9,241 CEU (Car Equivalent Units).
- Versatility: Four hoistable decks capable of carrying heavy rolling cargo up to 250 tons and 6.5 meters in height.
- Efficiency: Grimaldi reports a 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions per unit transported compared to previous-generation PCTCs.
The vessel carries the RINA “Ammonia Ready” class notation, ensuring that the hull and engine configurations are prepared for a future conversion to carbon-free ammonia fuel. Furthermore, the ship is equipped for cold ironing (shoreside power), allowing for zero-emission port stays where infrastructure permits.
Strategic Focus: The Philippine Connection
The naming of the vessel is a calculated tribute to the Philippines, a nation that provides a significant portion of Grimaldi’s seafaring workforce. The christening was performed by Godmother Doris Ho, President and CEO of Magsaysay Group, Grimaldi’s long-standing partner in maritime recruitment.
“Filipino seafarers represent a fundamental resource for our fleet,” stated Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Grimaldi Group. “With the arrival of Grande Manila, we are celebrating a milestone in fleet modernization and our increasingly strong ties with the Philippines.”
The Group recently launched a direct service connecting China to the port of Batangas, and plans are underway to further integrate Manila into its global network.
Maiden Voyage and Cargo Outlook
The Grande Manila will begin her maiden voyage this week from Taicang, China. Her initial manifest highlights the diverse nature of modern ro-ro demand:
- 5,800+ cars (including EVs and ICE vehicles).
- 1,300 linear meters of high-and-heavy cargo (excavators, buses, and wheel loaders).
The vessel will transit to major European hubs including the United Kingdom, Spain, and Belgium. Following discharge at Grimaldi’s Antwerp hub, the ship is scheduled to return to East Asia by late April 2025.
| Vessel Feature | Specification |
| Length / Beam | 200m / 38m |
| Class Notation | RINA Ammonia Ready |
| Engine Tech | Electronic injection with ultra-low fuel consumption |
| Maiden Route | Asia – Europe (Taicang to Antwerp) |
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