Grimaldi Group has officially launched the Grande Shanghai, its first ammonia-ready car carrier. A naming ceremony took place in Haimen, China, marking a major step forward in sustainable shipping.
Built by China Merchants Heavy Industries, the Grande Shanghai is the first of ten new PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) vessels commissioned by the Italian shipping group. Also, the first five ships in the series will carry up to 9,000 CEUs (Car Equivalent Units), with the next five offering a larger 9,800 CEU capacity.
Named after China’s financial capital, the Grande Shanghai is a vessel designed with the future in mind. She promises to cut fuel consumption per cargo unit by 50% compared to earlier models.
At 220 meters long and 38 meters wide, she can cruise at 18 knots and holds a gross tonnage of 93,145 tonnes. The ship spans 14 decks, ready to transport both traditional and electric vehicles.
The Grande Shanghai is also the first in Grimaldi’s fleet to be certified “Ammonia Ready” by RINA. This means the ship can be converted to run on ammonia, a zero-carbon fuel, when the time comes.
She also meets top environmental standards, having earned several class notations like Green Plus, Green Star 3, and Comfort Vibration.
Sustainability features include:
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Mega lithium batteries (5 MWh)
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2,500 sq. meters of solar panels
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Cold ironing capability (shore power)
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Smart ventilation and AC systems
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Silicon hull coating to reduce drag
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Exhaust gas scrubbers
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Selective catalytic reduction to meet TIER III NOx limits.
A standout innovation is her gate rudder, installed for the first time on a PCTC. With twin foil blades flanking the propeller, this design boosts propulsion and maneuverability.
