The Italy and Napoli-based Grimaldi Group fleet since Wednesday includes two con-ro multipurpose units of the modern “G5” class, with the delivery of the second newbuild “Great Lagos” at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan (South Korea).
The new vessel is named after the city of Lagos in Nigeria where its port has been served for decades by the Neapolitan shipping company within its maritime links between Europe, North and South America, and West Africa.
Furthermore, the Grimaldi Group currently operates there the largest ro-ro multipurpose terminal in West Africa.
Starting from late September, the “Great Lagos” will be deployed by the Grimaldi Group between Northern Europe and West Africa, and the other four G5-class units, which to be delivered between 2023 and 2024, will also operate on the same routes.
The company mentions in its announcement, that the vessel has a length of 250 metres, beam of 38 metres and deadweight of 45,684 tonnes, being able to transport 4,700 linear metres of rolling freight, 2,500 ceu (Car Equivalent Units) and 2,000 teu (Twenty Foot Equivalent Units).
Compared to the previous G4-class, the new vessels have the same capacity for rolling freight while their container capacity is double, as the company claims.
Both the main engine and the auxiliary diesel generators will meet the NOx levels imposed by the Tier III regulation, while the integrated propulsion system between rudder and propeller will minimize vortex losses and, consequently, optimize propulsive efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.
The vessel is also designed for cold ironing with shoreside supply of electricity (where available) as a green alternative to the consumption of fossil fuels during port stays.
Furthermore, the electrical consumption of on-board machinery (pumps, fans, etc.) is reduced thanks to the installation of variable frequency drive devices, while the application of innovative, low friction paints reduces hull resistance, thus increasing efficiency.
Last but not least, the ship is equipped with hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems for the abatement of sulphur and particulate emissions.
As proof of her high energy and environmental efficiency, the “Great Lagos” enables a reduction of CO2 emissions per tonne transported of up to 43% compared to other Grimaldi con-ro multipurpose ships.
