The Neapolitan group giant Grimaldi is expanding its fleet portfolio by ordering five more ammonia-ready car carriers.
The Grimaldi group has commissioned Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company Limited and China Shipbuilding Trading Company Limited, two subsidiaries of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, to build five new Pure Car & Truck Carrier vessels, with the option for another two units, which would bring the total investment to over USD 630 million.
The Naples-based company said today that the new buildings, having a length of 200 meters, a width of 38 meters and a loading capacity of 9,000 CEU, have been designed to transport electric and fossil fuel vehicles (cars, SUVs, vans, etc.) as well as other types of heavy rolling freight (up to 250 tons). They will be among the first ships equipped with a new type of electronic engine, and will have the RINA (Italian Naval Register) Ammonia Ready class notation, which certifies that they may be converted for the use of ammonia as an alternative, zero-carbon fuel.
The group characterises the new vessels as “an evolution” of the modern and efficient 6,700-CEU car carriers delivered to the Grimaldi between 2016 and 2018 (Grande Baltimora, Grande New York e Grande Halifax), and highlights the fact that “their CO2 emissions per cargo unit transported index will be 27% lower than that of previous generation of ships”.
Upon their delivery, expected between 2025 and 2026, the new buildings will enhance the Grimaldi Group’s services between Europe, North Africa, the Near and Far East.
The new order was signed just over two months after the Group’s latest order for the construction of five ammonia-ready PCTC vessels (with an option for another five units).
Source: Grimaldi group
