The Grimaldi Group has expanded its fleet with the delivery of Grande Oriente, the twelfth vessel in its next-generation series of ammonia-ready vehicle carriers. The ship was handed over on 30 June by China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu and will sail under the Italian flag.
Designed for future conversion to ammonia, a zero-carbon marine fuel, the vessel has received RINA’s Ammonia Ready notation, confirming that it can be adapted to operate on ammonia in the future.
The 220-metre-long, 38-metre-wide pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) has a gross tonnage of 93,145, a service speed of 18 knots, and can transport up to 9,000 car equivalent units (CEU), including both conventional and electric vehicles.
According to Grimaldi, Grande Oriente consumes up to 50% less fuel than previous-generation car carriers thanks to a range of energy-efficiency technologies. These include an optimised hull design, an air lubrication system, silicon-based hull coatings, an innovative gate rudder to improve propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability, and 2,500 square metres of solar panels.
The vessel is also equipped with a 5 MWh lithium battery system and shore power (cold ironing) capability, allowing it to operate with zero emissions while alongside at ports equipped with shore power infrastructure.
Its main engine features an exhaust gas cleaning system (scrubber) to reduce sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter emissions, as well as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, ensuring nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions remain below IMO Tier III limits.
The ship will soon enter commercial service on Grimaldi’s Asia–Europe route, departing from Taicang, China, for Portbury, United Kingdom. During its maiden voyage, it will carry more than 6,200 cars and 700 linear metres of rolling cargo.
Grimaldi Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi said the delivery reflects the company’s continued investment in fleet renewal, sustainable technologies and the growing importance of Asian markets, while supporting more efficient logistics solutions for vehicle manufacturers.
