The Grimaldi Group has added the “Grande Pacifico”, its largest car carrier to date, to its fleet. The newbuild is the shipping group’s 13th vessel with the “Ammonia Ready” class notation and the first of five PCTC vessels ordered from China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu.
The new “Grande Pacifico” has a capacity of 9,800 CEU and is designed to be retrofitted for ammonia propulsion at a later date. The design is a further development of the first five car carriers delivered by the same shipyard, each with a capacity of 9,000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units). The new series offers a higher cargo capacity whilst also aiming to achieve improvements in energy efficiency, technology and environmental performance.
The “Grande Pacifico” is 220 m long and 38 m wide. It has a gross tonnage of 95,534 and achieves a service speed of 18 kn. Across a total of 15 decks, the vessel can accommodate up to 9,800 CEU. Compared with the previous vessels, this represents an increase in cargo capacity of around 9 per cent. In addition to electric vehicles and conventionally powered vehicles, the newbuild can also transport vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).
Prepared for ammonia propulsion
The Italian classification society Rina has awarded the “Grande Pacifico” the “Ammonia Ready” class notation. The vessel is therefore prepared for a future conversion to ammonia propulsion. In addition, the newbuild has been awarded the class notations ‘Green Plus’, ‘Green Star 3’, ‘Comfort Vibration’ and ‘Comfort Noise Port’, amongst others.
According to the Grimaldi Group, the “Grande Pacifico” can reduce its fuel consumption by 50% compared with previous-generation car carriers. The vessel is fitted with lithium batteries with a total capacity of 5 MWh and is equipped to receive shore power at suitably equipped ports. This is intended to enable locally emission-free operation whilst the vessel is in port.
The technical specifications also include 2,500 m² of solar panels, intelligent energy management systems, a friction-reducing silicone coating on the hull, an air lubrication system and an optimised hull shape. In addition, there is a so-called gate-rudder system, which is designed to improve propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability.
The electronically controlled main engine is fitted with exhaust after-treatment systems. According to the company, these reduce emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx), particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). NOx emissions are expected to be well below the limits set by IMO Tier III.
Maiden voyage on the Asia–Europe service
The name of the newbuild reflects the Grimaldi Group’s growing presence in the Pacific. The company has expanded its network of regular shipping services in the region for the automotive industry and the transport of rolling cargo in recent years.
The “Grande Pacifico” is set to make its maiden voyage on the Asia–Europe service and will depart from the Chinese port of Taicang in the coming days, bound for Antwerp and Southampton. More than 6,900 vehicles and over 900 running metres of rolling cargo are scheduled for the maiden voyage.
Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi explained that, with this delivery, the Grimaldi Group is continuing its investment in larger, more efficient vessels that are prepared for future fuels. The new series combines a higher cargo capacity with greater operational flexibility.
The family-run Grimaldi Group, based in Naples, operates a fleet of more than 130 vessels and employs around 21,000 people. The company specialises in Ro-Ro ships, car carriers and ferries. The group includes, amongst others, Finnlines, Grimaldi Euromed, Atlantic Container Line and Minoan Lines.
