With the “Grande Svezia”, the Italian Grimaldi Group is expanding its fleet by a further 9,000 CEU. The ship is designed for operation with ammonia.
The “Grande Svezia” (91,611 GT) is the second ship in a series of ten PCTCs (Pure Care & Truck Carrier) to be built for Grimaldi by China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu. It is 220 m long, 38 m wide and will be able to transport up to 9,000 vehicles on 14 decks. Like its previously delivered sister ship, the “Grande Shanghai”, it is designed to transport both conventional combustion engines and electric vehicles.
According to Grimaldi, the “Grande Svezia” is equipped with advanced technologies. It is the fourth “ammonia ready” ship in the fleet and is therefore designed for the future switch to ammonia (NH3) as a fuel. Thanks to its 5 MWh lithium battery system and the so-called “cold ironing” function, the ship can sail emission-free during port calls and obtain electricity directly from the shore, provided that the appropriate facilities are available.
Other energy-efficient features include 2,500 m2 of solar panels, silicone-based hull coatings to reduce drag and intelligent systems for ventilation and air conditioning. The electronically controlled main engine is equipped with advanced exhaust aftertreatment systems to reduce sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM), while a selective catalytic reduction system keeps nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions within IMO Stage III limits.
50% fuel savings in comparison
Other innovations to minimize environmental impact include an “Air Lubrication” system, an optimized hull design and an innovative “gate rudder” – installed for the first time on PCTC vessels – consisting of two foil-shaped blades on either side of the propeller, which is designed to improve both propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability.
According to the shipping company, the “Grande Svezia” was built to the “highest sustainability and comfort standards” and has been awarded the Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration and Comfort Noise port classes. Compared to car carriers of previous generations, it consumes up to 50% less fuel.
“With the arrival of the Grande Svezia, we are further consolidating our leading role in sustainable maritime transport,” said Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi. “This investment reflects our commitment to support the global automotive industry with ever more modern, efficient and environmentally friendly ships.”
In the next few days, the “Grande Svezia” – named after the country of Sweden – will embark on its maiden voyage on the East Asia-Persian Gulf route, an important trade route for the automotive and industrial sectors. From the Chinese ports of Taicang and Lianyungang, the ship is expected to load 3,100 vehicles and 5,800 linear meters of rolling cargo, including buses, trucks, excavators and trailers, for the target market in the Persian Gulf.
