The Grimaldi Group has taken delivery of Grande Oriente, its twelfth ammonia-ready pure car and truck carrier (PCTC).
The vessel was built by China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu. It is designed for future conversion to ammonia as a zero-carbon marine fuel.
Grande Oriente will soon enter the Asia–Europe trade. The vessel will sail from Taicang, China, to Portbury, United Kingdom. It will carry more than 6,200 cars and 700 linear metres of rolling cargo.
The vessel is 220 metres long and 38 metres wide. It has a gross tonnage of 93,145. Its service speed is 18 knots. It can transport up to 9,000 car equivalent units (CEU). The cargo includes electric vehicles and conventional vehicles.
Grimaldi said the new vessel cuts fuel consumption by 50% compared with previous-generation car carriers.
The ship has received RINA’s Ammonia Ready notation. This means it can be converted to operate on ammonia in the future.
The vessel also features a 5 MWh lithium battery system. In addition, it has shore power capability. These systems allow the ship to operate with zero emissions while alongside ports equipped with cold ironing facilities.
Grande Oriente includes several energy-saving technologies. For example, it has 2,500 square metres of solar panels. It also features silicon-based hull coatings, an air lubrication system and an optimised hull design. Furthermore, the vessel is equipped with an innovative gate rudder that improves propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability.
The main engine uses an exhaust gas cleaning system to reduce sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter emissions. It also features selective catalytic reduction (SCR). As a result, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions remain below IMO Tier III limits.
Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Grimaldi Group, said the vessel reflects the company’s growing focus on Asian markets.
He added that Grimaldi will continue investing in fleet renewal and sustainable technologies. These investments will strengthen the company’s global network. They will also provide more efficient logistics solutions for vehicle manufacturers.
