The Italian Grimaldi shipping company has taken delivery of the new Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC) “Grande Manila” in Shanghai and had it christened.
The 200 m long and 38 m wide unit was built by SWS and CSTC, both companies of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). With around 77,500 GT and a capacity of 9,241 CEU, it is now the seventh “ammonia-ready” ship in the fleet.
The “Grande Manila” is designed to transport cars, SUVs, vans and other rolling cargo, including loads weighing up to 250 tons each and up to a height of 6.5 meters. Four of the decks can be used flexibly for heavy and special loads. The ship is also prepared for the future use of ammonia as an alternative, CO₂-free fuel and has a shore power connection for emission-free port operations.
Grimaldi is paying tribute to the Philippines with the name: The country is playing an increasing role for the Group, both operationally and in its HR strategy. Grimaldi recently established a new connection between China and Batangas, with two departures per month planned. The plan is to expand its presence to other ports in the Philippines, including Manila.
Zhang Wei, Vice President of SWS, and Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Automotive Intercontinental Director of the shipping company, were among those present at the handover. Doris Ho, President and CEO of the Magsaysay Group, acted as godmother. The group has been a partner of the joint Philippine manning company Grimaldi Marine Partners for ten years, enabling the employment of thousands of Filipino seafarers for Grimaldi.
Launch on Asia-Europe service
The maiden voyage begins this week on the Asia-Europe route. From Taicang, the ship will carry more than 5,800 cars and 1,300 linear meters of other rolling cargo, including buses, trucks and construction machinery. Ports of call include the UK, Spain and Belgium. Further destinations in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean are served via the Grimaldi hub in Antwerp. The return to China is planned for the end of April.
The “Grande Manila” is powered by an electronically controlled main engine of the latest generation, which enables low specific consumption and compliance with strict emission limits for CO₂, NOx and SOx. Thanks to optimized ship size, design and systems, CO₂ emissions per transported load are to be up to 50% lower than previous PCTC generations.
The Italian classification society has classified the ship with the notation “Ammonia Ready” in order to enable a later conversion for the use of ammonia as fuel. In addition, the “Grande Manila” is equipped for shore power so that it can be operated with low emissions during laytime. (JWy)
