Naples, 22 October 2025 – China Merchants Shenzhen RoRo Shipping (Haina Cang) and the Grimaldi Group (Naples) — two leading and well-recognized companies operating in multimodal logistics, Ro-Ro, and Car Carrier shipping — have signed a Cooperation Framework Agreement with the shared goal of creating greater value for their customers.

This strategic partnership leverages the strong complementarity between the two companies and envisions multiple areas of collaboration, ranging from operational synergies to network integration.

Through this cooperation, customers will benefit from increased loading capacity, optimized resources, enhanced land logistics, and a more extensive and efficient service network.

This cooperation can rely on a longstanding tradition and experience in the Chinese and European markets as well as a very widespread distribution network in the Euro-Mediterranean area in order to ensure emerging exports from China a unique competitive advantage.

China Merchants Shenzhen RoRo Shipping and the Grimaldi Group reaffirm their joint commitment to innovation, reliability, and sustainable growth in the global logistics and maritime transport sectors.

The Grande Shanghai’s maiden voyage strengthens East Asia–East Africa trade links

The Grande Shanghai, one of the Grimaldi Group’s next-generation pure car and truck carriers (PCTC), has successfully completed her maiden voyage as part of the recently launched East Asia–East Africa service. The vessel’s inaugural journey marks a significant milestone in regional logistics and maritime sustainability, connecting key ports across continents with greener, more efficient transport solutions.

Days after her delivery, in early September 2025 the Grande Shanghai departed from the Chinese port of Taicang, loaded with 7,000 linear metres of brand-new rolling cargo, including trucks, trailers, buses, tractors, agricultural machinery and commercial vehicles. The vessel’s route included two strategic ports on the East African coast — Mombasa (Kenya) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) — as part of a dedicated service launched by the Grimaldi Group in June 2025.

Acting as the shipping company’s agent in Kenya and Tanzania, local logistics partner Nisomar smoothly and effectively coordinated the unloading of thousands of vehicles as well as port agency services, customs and inland transport in both Mombasa and Dar es Salaam.

First-ever call at Mombasa Port

On 19 September, the Grande Shanghai made her first-ever call at the Port of Mombasa. Upon arrival at Ro-Ro Multipurpose Berth 1, the vessel was welcomed by the Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Capt. William Ruto, along with the Harbour Master Capt. Patrick Onyango and senior port officials. The vessel was guided into berth by KPA Marine Pilot Capt. Joshua Musee Nguku, using her own advanced bow thrusters.

The port community warmly welcomed Grimaldi’s eco-friendly vessel, reinforcing the collective move towards more sustainable and environmentally conscious maritime operations.

The ceremony included the presentation of a traditional Certificate of First Call and a commemorative plaque to the ship’s Master Capt. Giovanni Battista Raccuglia. This moment celebrated not just the arrival of the vessel, but a shared vision for Mombasa’s transformation into a regional maritime hub in line with global green shipping standards.

Measuring 220 metres in length with a beam of 38 metres, the Grande Shanghai is one of the 17 ammonia-ready vessels designed and ordered by the Grimaldi Group to meet global decarbonization goals. With a capacity of 9,000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units) available for both electric vehicles and those powered by fossil fuels, she incorporates cutting-edge green technologies such as solar panels, high-capacity lithium batteries, cold ironing readiness, drag-reducing hull coatings and low-emission engines.

Meanwhile, as part of its 2024–2028 Green Port Policy, KPA is also investing in complementary infrastructure such as shore power connections, renewable energy sources and low-emission cargo handling equipment — all compatible with the Grande Shanghai’s sustainable profile.

Nisomar expressed its pride in having supported Grimaldi Lines in successfully handling its first vessel call in Mombasa, marking a key step in their operational goals. This collaboration not only reflects a shared commitment to efficiency and excellence but also complements the growing green initiatives in the port. The shared aim is to pursue a course towards a cleaner, greener and smarter future for shipping.

Continued success at Dar es Salaam

Following Mombasa, on 21 September the Grande Shanghai made her first call at Dar es Salaam Port, where she docked at the Ro-Ro terminal with operational support from the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) and transport and logistics operator DP World.

The port call was marked by a formal reception attended, among others, by Dar es Salaam Port Director Gallus Abed, representing TPA, and DP World Tanzania Corporate Affairs Manager Elitunu Mallamia. In their speeches, both commended the Grimaldi Group for choosing to serve the Dar es Salaam corridor, recognizing the strategic importance of this service. Representatives of the Grimaldi Group were also present, headed by Girolamo Carignani, Head of Quality Control.

Notably, the Grande Shanghai is the largest Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC) ever to dock at the port — a milestone that highlights the growing capabilities of Dar es Salaam’s port infrastructure and its readiness to accommodate increasingly large and modern vessels.

This event also reflects the Grimaldi Group’s commitment to supporting the vigorous economic growth of Tanzania, which has one of Africa’s fastest developing economies. By enhancing maritime connectivity and offering efficient, sustainable transport solutions, the Group contributes to the development of regional trade and logistics, in line with the country’s ambition to become a key gateway for East and Southern Africa.

A shared vision for sustainable supply chains

The Grande Shanghai’s maiden voyage represents more than just a successful logistical operation. It is a statement of intent: the goals are to deepen trade integration, accelerate sustainable transport and position East African ports as critical hubs in the global supply chain.

The voyage also highlights the value of cross-sector partnerships — with the Grimaldi Group, Nisomar Group and local port authorities working together to enhance regional capabilities.

From Taicang to Mombasa to Dar es Salaam, the journey of the Grande Shanghai is not just a route — it is a roadmap for the future of maritime trade.

Brand-new electric buses from China to Uruguay on Grimaldi vessels

On 2^nd October, the arrival of the Grimaldi Group’s vessel Grande Nigeria at the port of Montevideo marked a significant step forward for sustainable mobility in Uruguay. 50 brand-new BYD electric buses were unloaded from the vessel, ready to enter service and help modernize the country’s transport system.

The voyage of this important cargo began in late July, when the buses were loaded onto the Grimaldi Group’s vessel Great Casablanca at the Chinese port of Taicang. They were subsequently transshipped in Lagos and Paranaguá before reaching their final destination.

The arrival of the new electric buses at Montevideo was celebrated in the presence of several distinguished representatives from the Uruguayan Government and port authorities. Among them were the Minister of Transport and Public Works Lucía Etcheverry and the Deputy Minister Claudia Peris, the President of ANP (Administración Nacional de Puertos) Pablo Genta, Vice President Constante Mendiondo and Director Jorge Gandini, the Captain of the Port of Montevideo Carlos Varela and its Navy Prefect, Capt. Nestor Lemos, as well as Juan Salgado, the President of Cutcsa – the main public transport company in Montevideo, which will operate the new buses. Also in attendance were representatives from the Chinese vehicle manufacturer BYD, freight forwarder ULG Logistics, the Grimaldi Group, and its local agent KMA Uruguay.

For over 25 years, the Grimaldi Group has operated a regular monthly service to the Port of Montevideo with its multipurpose vessels, using it as a strategic hub for cargo bound for Paraguay. Through its extensive global maritime network, the Company continues to support innovation and sustainable development throughout the region.

24 September 2025 – The Grimaldi Group has today welcomed the Grande Svezia into its fleet, the second in a series of ten next-generation PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) vessels under construction at China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu, and the 4th of 17 of her type ordered by Grimaldi Group.

Measuring 220 meters in length and 38 meters in width, with a gross tonnage of 91,611 tons and a service speed of 18 knots, the Grande Svezia can carry up to 9,000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units) across 14 decks. Like her sister ship Grande Shanghai, delivered less than a month ago, the vessel is designed to transport both electric and combustion engine vehicles.

The Grande Svezia is equipped with an array of advanced green technologies. It is the fourth “Ammonia Ready” ship in the Group’s fleet, designed for future conversion to ammonia as a carbon-free alternative fuel. During port calls, the vessel can achieve zero emissions thanks to its 5 MWh lithium battery system and cold ironing capability, allowing it to draw electricity directly from shore where facilities are available.

Other energy-efficiency features include 2,500 square meters of solar panels, silicone-based hull coatings to reduce drag, and smart systems for ventilation and climate control. Its electronically controlled main engine is fitted with state-of-the-art exhaust gas treatment systems to cut sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM), while a selective catalytic reduction system keeps nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions within IMO Tier III limits.

Additional 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 positioned on either side of the propeller, enhances both propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability.

Built to the highest sustainability and comfort standards, the Grande Svezia has been awarded Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration, and Comfort Noise Port class notations. Compared with earlier-generation car carriers, the Grande Svezia delivers up to 50% lower fuel consumption.

The ship is named after Sweden, a country that the Grimaldi Group has been serving regularly for over three decades and where it operates the nation’s only private port, located in Wallhamn.

“With the arrival of the Grande Svezia, we further consolidate our role as a leader in sustainable maritime transport,” said Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of Grimaldi Group. “This investment reflects our commitment to supporting the global automotive industry with vessels that are ever more advanced, efficient, and with a reduced environmental footprint.”

In the next few days, the Grande Svezia will make her maiden voyage on the East Asia–Persian Gulf service, a key trade lane for the automotive and industrial sectors. Departing from the Chinese ports of Taicang and Lianyungang, the vessel is expected to loaded 3,100 vehicles and 5,800 linear meters of rolling cargo, including buses, trucks, excavators, and trailers, with destination Persian Gulf markets.

Welcome the Grande Auckland 

During this morning the 10th September in Shanghai, the Grimaldi Group took delivery of the Grande Auckland, the second of seven PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) units commissioned by the Group from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company Limited (SWS) and China Shipbuilding Trading Company Limited (CSTC) – two companies part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC).

The name of this new ship is a tribute to the city of Auckland, New Zealand, which since 2023 has been regularly served, on a monthly basis, by Grimaldi vessels arriving from Europe.

The Grande Auckland will make her maiden voyage on the Asia–Europe service, where she will remain deployed throughout 2025. The vessel will depart from Shanghai and Lianyungang carrying 4,900 vehicles and 3,300 linear meters of rolling cargo (buses, trucks, excavators, trailers) and will call at Agadir and Tanger Med (Morocco), Vigo (Spain), Antwerp (Belgium), and Southampton (UK). From Northern Europe, she will head back to Asia, with calls in La Réunion (French overseas department in the Indian Ocean), then Yokohama and Toyohashi (Japan), and finally Masan (South Korea).

With a length of 200 meters, a beam of 38 meters, and a gross tonnage of around 77,500 tons, the Grande Auckland has been designed for the transport of vehicles — cars, SUVs, vans, both electric and powered by traditional fuels — as well as other types of rolling cargo. The vessel offers a loading capacity of 9,241 CEU (Car Equivalent Unit) and is equipped with four decks suitable for the transport of large rolling units, including heavy loads of up to 250 tons and a maximum height of 6.5 meters.

Her innovative MAN B&W 7S60 ME-C10.6-HPSCR TIER II–TIER III electronic engine ensures one of the lowest specific fuel consumption rates in her class and complies with the most stringent environmental regulations regarding CO₂, NOx, and SOx emissions.

In particular, thanks to her optimized dimensions that maximize loading capacity, a proven ship design, cutting-edge technologies and next-generation systems, the Grande Auckland significantly reduces the CO₂ emission index per transported cargo — by up to 50% compared to previous-generation PCTC vessels.

Furthermore, the vessel has been awarded the Ammonia Ready class notation by RINA (Italian Naval Register), certifying that she can be converted in the future to use ammonia as a zero-carbon alternative fuel. She is also designed for cold ironing, meaning she can be powered by shore-side electricity while docked in port — a green alternative to using traditional marine fuels, where such infrastructure is available.

The Grimaldi Group have so far taken delivery in the past few months of 3 Ammonia Ready PCTC’s and still has 14 more Ammonia Ready PCTC vessels on order, to be delivered between 2025 and 2027, which will further strengthen maritime connections with the Asian market.

Please find the 3rd Quarter revised EU ETS levels, which were incorporated with the New Fuel EU surcharge at the beginning of 2025.

The new Fuel EU Maritime legislation (EU Directive (EU) 2023/959) requires carriers to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2%.  Grimaldi will use alternative biofuels to meet our commitments under the new regulations.  Such fuels carry a premium which is reflected in our revised surcharge.  Both components will be monitored, and this new combined environmental surcharge will be updated quarterly.

Surcharge covers all voyages bound to / from Europe and for all cargo types;

The EU ETS & EU Fuel surcharges specified above will be in effect from Oct 1st to Dec 31st 2025.
**

Charges are applicable on all Grimaldi trades and should be clarified before engaging in any bookings or quote offers to your shippers.

If you have any questions, please contact your local Grimaldi commercial office.

Due to increased operational costs impacting our service into Freetown for RORO cargoes, Grimaldi have been compelled to review the present level of RORO rates from both the N.Continent of Europe and the UK to Freetown.

As such and with effect from the 15^th Sept new Rates covering RORO shipments will come into force.

To find out details of the new RORO tariff for Freetown please contact your local Grimaldi commercial office.

On the 27 August 2025  the Grimaldi Group took delivery of the Grande Shanghai, the first of ten next-generation PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) units commissioned from China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu. Of these, the first five units can carry 9,000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units), while the following five will offer an even higher capacity of up to 9,800 CEU.

Following the Grande Tianjin, delivered in early August, the Grande Shanghai is the second Ammonia Ready unit in the Grimaldi fleet. This technological gem combines high cargo capacity with eco-sustainability, reducing fuel consumption by 50% compared to previous-generation car carriers.

The design of the Grande Shanghai is the result of collaboration between the Grimaldi Group and the naval design and architecture firm Knud E. Hansen. The vessel is 220 meters long and 38 meters wide, has a gross tonnage of 91,611 tons, and a cruising speed of 18 knots. Across her 14 decks, she can transport both electric vehicles and those powered by fossil fuels.

The Grande Shanghai has obtained the Ammonia Ready notation from the Italian Naval Register (RINA), certifying that she can be converted to use ammonia as a zero-carbon alternative fuel. But this is not the only green technology adopted onboard this innovative vessel.

Designed to the highest standards, the ship has also earned the Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration, and Comfort Noise Port class notations.

The Grande Shanghai is equipped with mega lithium batteries with a total capacity of 5 MWh and can also receive shore power during port stays (cold ironing) at terminals equipped with the necessary infrastructure. Both systems allow zero emissions during port stops.

The ship uses all the best technologies for energy optimization: from 2,500 square meters of solar panels to silicon-based hull coatings to reduce drag, smart ventilation and air conditioning controls. Her electronically controlled engine features an exhaust gas cleaning system to reduce sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, and selective catalytic reduction to limit nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions below TIER III levels.

Additional innovations further minimizing her environmental impact include an Air Lubrication System, optimized hull design, and an innovative gate rudder installed for the first time on a PCTC vessel. This rudder, featuring two foil blades positioned on either side of the propeller, improves propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability.

“The Grimaldi Group confirms its active and strong commitment to the ecological transition of shipping,” said Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi. “Two and a half years ago, when we signed the order for these ten extraordinary new units, we decisively chose to invest in a carbon-free future by focusing on alternative fuels such as ammonia. An investment we continue to strongly support, as we believe that to maintain leadership in our sector, it is necessary to offer the best sea transport services with the lowest possible environmental impact. With cutting-edge ships like the Grande Shanghai, we will continue to support the global automotive industry with quality, efficiency, and sustainability.”

The Grande Shanghai will make her maiden voyage on the East Asia – East Africa service, launched by the Grimaldi Group last June and now on its third departure. Loaded with 7,000 linear meters of new rolling cargo units (including trucks, trailers, buses, tractors and agricultural machinery), the vessel will depart from the Chinese port of Taicang in early September and will subsequently call at Mombasa (Kenya) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania).

In the future, the Grande Shanghai is set to strengthen Grimaldi’s services dedicated to vehicle transport between East Asia and Northern Europe. The other 15 PCTC Ammonia Ready units currently under construction for the Naples-based shipping group — scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2027 — will also be deployed on routes serving the Asian market.

From mid-August, this ammonia-ready 9,241 CEU vessel will be deployed to enhance vehicle transport services on the East Asia – Northern Europe route.

 Shanghai/Naples, 8 August 2025: This morning, celebrations took place in the port of Shanghai for the official naming and delivery of the Grimaldi Group’s vessel Grande Tianjin. This event marked a milestone not only for the Italian shipping company but also for Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company Limited (SWS) and Leapmotor International.

The Grande Tianjin is the first of seven state-of-the-art PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) vessels commissioned by the Grimaldi Group from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company Limited (SWS) and China Shipbuilding Trading Company Limited (CSTC) – two companies part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC). Her delivery marks the 600^th vessel constructed by SWS – a remarkable achievement that underscores the shipyard’s long-standing expertise, commitment to quality, and pivotal role in advancing maritime innovation.

This event also signals the beginning of an even deeper strategic partnership between the Grimaldi Group and Leapmotor. In fact, in a few days, the Grande Tianjin will depart from Shanghai bound for Northern Europe, carrying her inaugural cargo – which includes, among other Leapmotor vehicles, 1,000 brand-new electric SUVs.

Event highlights

Today’s event was attended, among others, by Chen Gang, President of SWS, Tianshu Xin, CEO of Leapmotor International, and Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Automotive Intercontinental Director of the Grimaldi Group.

Leapmotor Vice President, Ms. Zhou Ying acted as the godmother of the vessel, emphasizing the growing importance of the partnership between the car manufacturer and the Grimaldi Group.

“Grande Tianjin is the first collaboration between SWS and the Grimaldi Group, as well as SWS first 9,000 CEU PCTC. To ensure the successful delivery of this project, all teams worked in close coordination. Upon verification, the vessel’s performance data fully meet the design specifications, and its quality has been highly recognized by all parties”, said Chen Gang.

“China’s EV innovation is sailing to the world, and Leapmotor is proud to be at the helm of this movement,” said Tianshu Xin. “Today, with great partners such as Grimaldi, our presence spans more than 30 countries, with over 1,500 sales and service outlets worldwide, cumulative deliveries exceeding 800,000 smart EVs”.

“The delivery of the Grande Tianjin by SWS marks a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainable and efficient vehicle transport across key global routes, especially those connecting Asia to the rest of the world,” stated Grimaldi Group Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi. “In recent years, we have made significant investments to strengthen our shipping connections with China and the broader Asian area. Top-tier car manufacturers like Leapmotor continue to place their trust in us, and we remain dedicated to exceeding their high expectations while adapting to their evolving needs.”

Vessel features

With a length of 200 meters, a beam of 38 meters, and a gross tonnage of approximately 77,500 tons, the Grande Tianjin has been designed for the transport of vehicles (cars, SUVs, vans, etc.), both electric and powered by traditional fuels, as well as any other type of rolling cargo. Specifically, she has a loading capacity of 9,241 CEU (Car Equivalent Units), with four decks also capable of carrying other rolling cargo, including heavy loads of up to 250 tons and as high as 6.5 meters.

The vessel is among the first equipped with a MAN B&W 7S60 ME-C10.6-HPSCR TIER II–TIER III electronic engine, which offers one of the lowest specific fuel consumptions in its class. It complies with the most stringent international limits for CO₂, NOx, and SOx emissions.

In particular, thanks to her size – which maximizes loading capacity – proven ship design, innovative features, and state-of-the-art systems, the Grande Tianjin reduces the CO₂ emissions index per transported cargo by up to 50% compared to previous-generation PCTC vessels.

Additionally, she has received the “Ammonia Ready” class notation from RINA (Italian Naval Register), certifying that she can be converted in the future to use ammonia as a zero-carbon alternative fuel. She is also equipped for shore power supply during berthing (cold ironing), which, where available, provides a green alternative to the use of traditional fuels while docked in port.

Strengthened partnership between Grimaldi and Leapmotor

The Grimaldi Group has been a logistics partner of Leapmotor since 2022, providing 22,500 CEU (Car Equivalent Units) of secure vehicle handling capacity per month from Asia to Europe.

For the first seven months of 2025, Leapmotor posted a combined domestic sales and export volume of 271,793 units, making Leapmotor China’s Top1 NEV start-up brand. Leapmotor International’s sales and service footprint exceeds 1,500 sales and service outlets in over 30 markets.

The Grimaldi Group’s strategically distributed network on a global scale enables comprehensive geographical coverage and significant reduction in distribution costs through streamlined routing and consolidated connections. Notably, adaptability on the services connecting various Asian ports to the rest of the world is ensured through a fleet of over 20 PCTC and con/ro vessels, offering scalable capacity and efficient prioritization tailored to shifting logistics demands.

The Grande Tianjin will be deployed on the East Asia-Northern Europe service. She is the first of 17 ammonia-ready PCTC vessels ordered by the Grimaldi Group from Chinese shipyards, with the remaining 16 scheduled for delivery starting from late August 2025 up to 2027. Overall, this major fleet investment will allow the Group to expand its coverage in key global markets, improve operational efficiency, and better meet the evolving logistics needs of its customer base.

For photos of the ceremony: https://we.tl/t-VTtv1pA0Vr

About Grimaldi Group 

Established in 1947, the Grimaldi Group is a world leader in maritime transport, port terminals and logistics. With a fleet of over 130 vessels and services covering 60 countries, Grimaldi specializes in the shipment of rolling freight, containers and passengers, while maintaining the highest environmental and safety standards.

About Leapmotor International 

Leapmotor International B.V. is a Stellantis-led joint venture with a 51/49 partnership between Stellantis N.V. and Leapmotor. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the company is focused on redefining the electric vehicle (EV) landscape by leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovation. Leapmotor International is committed to delivering tech-centric, affordable electric mobility solutions to global customers. The company began its operations in Europe in September 2024 and is expanding into India, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Leapmotor International’s product line-up includes the T03, an urban-focused A-segment EV, the C10 BEV and the C10 Range Extended EV, a fully equipped, family-oriented D-segment vehicles. In September 2025 the First global model of the B-Series new B10 C-SUV will be introduced in Europe. Additional models planned over the next three years.

About Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company Limited (SWS)   

Founded in 1999, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of China CSSC Holding Ltd., a publicly listed company controlled by China State-Shipbuilding Corporation limited (CSSC). Until now, SWS has been one of the most large-scale, modernized, professional and influential shipbuilding enterprises in the industry. By now, SWS has delivered a total of 600 various merchant vessels and offshore products and continuously leads the development trend of global offshore engineering equipment.

NAMING CEREMONY FOR THE GRANDE SHANGHAI:  GRIMALDI GROUP’S FIRST AMMONIA READY CAR CARRIER

Celebrations in China for the innovative 9,000 CEU PCTC: 

On the 21st July in Haimen (Jiangsu, China), the naming ceremony of the Grande Shanghai was held — marking the launch of the first vessel in a batch of ten next-generation PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) vessels out of an order of 17 commissioned by the Grimaldi Group from China Merchants Heavy Industries. The first five vessels will be capable of transporting 9,000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units), while the remaining five will offer an increased capacity of 9,800 CEU.

Among the participants were Sichuan Wu, Chairman of China Merchants Industry, and Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Automotive Intercontinental Director of the Italian shipping group. The event was also graced by the presence of the Consul General of Italy in Shanghai, Tiziana D’Angelo, who served as the godmother of the vessel, symbolically named after China’s economic capital.

The Grande Shanghai stands out as a true technological gem, combining high cargo capacity and environmental sustainability. Compared to the previous car carrier generation, she reduces fuel consumption per cargo unit transported by 50%.

The ship’s design is the result of close collaboration between the Grimaldi Group and the naval architecture firm Knud E. Hansen. She measures 220 meters in length and 38 meters in beam, and a cruise speed of 18 knots. Across her 14 decks, she can accommodate both electric vehicles and those powered by traditional fuels.

The Grande Shanghai is also the first vessel in the Grimaldi fleet to obtain the Ammonia Ready class notation from the Italian Shipping Registry (RINA), which certifies that she may be converted for the use of ammonia as an alternative, zero-carbon fuel: a key step toward energy transition and efficient, carbon-free maritime transport.

Built to the highest environmental standards, the Grande Shanghai has also obtained additional class notations, including Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration, and Comfort Noise Port.

The vessel integrates numerous green technologies: mega lithium batteries with a total power of 5 MWh, 2,500 square meters of solar panels, and cold ironing with shoreside supply of electricity where available.

Her advanced energy optimization systems also feature silicon-based hull coatings to reduce drag, smart ventilation and air conditioning controls, an electronically controlled engine with an exhaust gas cleaning system to reduce sulphur oxide (SO_x) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, and selective catalytic reduction to limit nitrogen oxide (NO_x) emissions below TIER III levels.

Additional innovations further minimizing her environmental impact include an Air Lubrication System, optimized hull design, and an innovative gate rudder installed for the first time on a PCTC vessel. This rudder, featuring two foil blades positioned on either side of the propeller, improves propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability.

Thanks to her remarkable features, the Grande Shanghai is poised to navigate a bold new course toward a future of global maritime transport that is more sustainable, innovative, and efficient.

Please be advised that a Port Additional will be applicable for all RORO cargo to Libreville due to the introduction of a localised Carbon tax.

All units delivered From the 1st July will be subject to the below charge.

EFFECTIVE – from 1st July 2025

New Port Additional for RORO

Ex N.Cont

Euro €20 per unit for Cars, Small Vans & Big Vans

Euro €20 per L/Meter for Trucks, Plant etc.

Ex UK

Gbp £20 per unit for Cars, Small Vans & Big Vans

Gbp £20 per L/Meter for Trucks, Plant etc.

If you require any further information as to how these new adjustments will affect your present and future shipments please do not hesitate to contact, your local Grimaldi Agent.