Author: Peter Oakley

On the 12 March 2026 in Shanghai, the Grimaldi Group took delivery of the new Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC) Grande Seoul. Built by SWS (Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company Limited) and CSTC (China Shipbuilding Trading Company Limited) – both part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC) – the vessel is the Italian group’s ninth ammonia-ready unit, meaning she is prepared for the future use of ammonia as an alternative, zero-carbon fuel.

With a length of 200 meters, a beam of 38 meters, and a gross tonnage of approximately 77,500 tonnes, the Grande Seoul has been designed for the efficient transport of vehicles (cars, SUVs, vans, etc.), both electric and powered by traditional fuels, as well as any other type of rolling cargo. The vessel 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.

Like her sister ships already in service (Grande Tianjin, Grande Auckland, Grande Melbourne, Grande Istanbul and Grande Manila), the Grande Seoul stands out not only for her high transport capacity but also for her advanced environmental performance, with a CO₂ emission index per transported cargo significantly reduced—by up to 50% compared with the previous generation of PCTC vessels.

The vessel is equipped with a state-of-the-art electronic engine, which offers one of the lowest specific fuel consumptions in its class and complies with the most stringent international limits for CO₂, NOx, and SOx emissions. 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.

With her name, the Grande Seoul pays tribute to the capital of South Korea, which has been an integral part of the global network of the Grimaldi Group since 2022. Since then, the company has offered regular services between Europe and the Asian country in both directions and, thanks to its extensive network covering more than 150 ports in 60 countries, is able to connect South Korea with the world’s main trade routes.

In the coming days, the Grande Seoul will leave China to begin her maiden voyage on the Asia–Europe service. More specifically, the vessel will depart from Shanghai (Taicang) with a cargo consisting of more than 6,200 cars and about 1,600 linear metres of other rolling freight, bound for the ports of Antwerp (Belgium), Portbury (United Kingdom) and Vigo (Spain).

“With the addition of Grande Seoul to our fleet, we are further strengthening the services dedicated to vehicle transport between Asia and the rest of the world,” commented Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Grimaldi Group. “Thanks to significant investments in modern vessels that combine transport capacity with high environmental performance, we can offer our customers increasingly efficient and sustainable services on intercontinental routes.”

On the 12th Feb 2026, the Grimaldi Group took delivery of its new vessel Grande Michigan. Commissioned from China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu, she is latest ammonia-ready PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) in the fleet of the Italian shipping group, meaning she is designed for future conversion to ammonia as a carbon-free alternative fuel.

Like her sister vessels Grande Shanghai and Grande Svezia, already in service since 2025, the new unit stands out for her high cargo capacity and reduced environmental impact, achieved through innovative design and numerous advanced technological solutions installed on board.

With length of 220 metres and beam of 38 metres, the Grande Michigan has a gross tonnage of 93,145 tonnes and a cruising speed of 18 knots. Across her 14 decks, she can transport both electric vehicles and those powered by fossil fuels, with a maximum capacity of 9,000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units).

The vessel’s name pays tribute to the State of Michigan, the historic heart of the U.S. automotive industry, which hosts headquarters and production facilities of major American car manufacturers that have long collaborated with the Grimaldi Group.

From an environmental standpoint, the Grande Michigan has obtained the Ammonia Ready notation by the Italian Shipping Register (RINA), certifying that she can be converted to operate on ammonia as a zero carbon-emission alternative fuel. However, this is not the only green technology installed on board this highly innovative vessel, which is capable of reducing fuel consumption by 50% compared with earlier-generation car carriers.

Built to the highest sustainability and comfort standards, the Grande Michigan has been awarded Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration and Comfort Noise Port class notations.

The vessel is equipped with mega lithium batteries with a total capacity of 5 MWh and cold ironing capability, allowing her to draw electricity directly from shore where facilities are available. Both systems allow her to achieve zero emissions while in port.

She incorporates the most advanced energy-efficiency technologies, including 2,500 square metres of solar panels, silicon-based hull coatings to reduce resistance, and smart systems for optimising ventilation and air conditioning. 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 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.

“We are increasingly proud of our fleet, which continues to expand, shaped by innovation and environmental sustainability – qualities that distinguish the Grande Michigan and all the new vessels we have commissioned in recent years,” said Grimaldi Group Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi. “Through our investments, we are making our services ever more efficient, supporting the sustainable transition of maritime transport and the growth of the global automotive industry.”

The Grande Michigan is already set for her maiden voyage on the Asia–Europe service: in the coming days she will depart from Taicang (China) carrying over 7,000 cars and vans, as well as more than 100 additional rolling units (heavy vehicles, mafi trailers and project cargo), bound for key ports in the Mediterranean

ECSA: six decades of European shipping leadership and the legacy of Emanuele Grimaldi’s presidency

Pictured from left to right: Thomas Rehder (former ECSA President), Emanuele Grimaldi, Philippos Philis (ECSA Alternate Director), Sotiris Raptis (ECSA Secretary General), Karin Orsel (ECSA President), Mikki Koskinen (ECSA Vice President), Juan Riva (ECSA Director), John Lyras (ICS Board Member).

European Shipowners | ECSA celebrated its 60^th Anniversary on 9 and 10 December in Brussels, marking six decades as the voice of the European shipping industry. Founded in 1965 as the Comité des Associations d’Armateurs des Communautés Européennes (CAACE), the association today represents 21 national shipowners’ associations from the EU and Norway and works to promote a regulatory framework that supports the competitiveness, safety and sustainability of European shipping.

The anniversary brought together shipowners, policymakers and stakeholders for two days of discussions on the strategic role of shipping for Europe’s security and resilience. European shipping represents around 35% of the world fleet and remains a cornerstone of global supply chains, ensuring energy and food security, guaranteeing EU exports and connecting Europe with the rest of the world.

A central contribution to the celebrations came from Emanuele Grimaldi, past President of ECSA (from 2001 to 2003), today Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and Managing Director of the Grimaldi Group. His address offered both a personal reflection and a powerful reminder of the impact ECSA has had on shaping modern European maritime policy.

Looking back at his presidency of ECSA, Grimaldi recalled a decisive phase in the evolution of European maritime policy, shaped by close cooperation between shipowners, European institutions and international partners. During his term of office, ECSA played a key role in shaping and supporting the Erika I and Erika II legislative packages, introduced following the Erika and Prestige tanker accidents.

These measures marked a historical turning point for maritime safety and environmental protection in Europe, resulting in acceleration of the phase-out of single-hull oil tankers, strengthening of Port State Control inspections, enhancement of oversight of classification societies, establishment of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), and improvement of maritime traffic monitoring and pollution liability regimes. As Emanuele Grimaldi noted, these reforms demonstrated how effective regulation and industry collaboration can turn lessons learned from crisis into lasting progress.

Beyond the regulatory achievements, Grimaldi underlined the enduring spirit of partnership that defines ECSA’s work — a spirit that has continued to guide cooperation between ECSA and ICS in recent years, from the COVID-19 pandemic to today’s security challenges affecting key shipping routes.

As European shipping looks ahead, the path to decarbonization, technological innovation and greater resilience will require strong leadership and sustained cooperation at both European and global level. As European Shipowners | ECSA marks its 60^th anniversary, its ongoing influence — shaped by decades of dialogue, vision and commitment, and strengthened by the contribution of leaders such as Emanuele Grimaldi — remains a solid foundation for the future of the industry.

Sustainable Shipping Award for the Grimaldi Group at the Saudi Maritime Awards

The Grimaldi Group has been honoured with the Sustainable Shipping Award at the inaugural Saudi Maritime Awards. The event, held in Jeddah on 29 January, celebrated outstanding performance, innovation and leadership across shipping, ports, logistics, offshore activities and related sectors, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s expanding leadership role in regional and global maritime affairs.

The prestigious awards ceremony, organized by Robban Assafina – a Middle Eastern maritime media platform – in strategic partnership with the Saudi Arabian Transport General Authority, under the patronage of H.E. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, the country’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, took place at The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah and brought together international leaders, innovators and decision-makers from across the maritime sector.

The Sustainable Shipping Award was received on behalf of the Grimaldi Group by its Head of External Relations, Paul Kyprianou. This is just the latest recognition acknowledging Grimaldi’s strong and forward-looking sustainability strategy. In fact, the Group is actively investing in green technologies designed to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions across its fleet. This environmental commitment goes beyond mere compliance with global climate objectives and also represents a proactive contribution to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, supporting the Kingdom’s ambition to build a more sustainable and diversified economy.

More generally, the Grimaldi Group contributes tangibly to strengthening maritime trade with the Saudi ports of Jeddah and Dammam through consistent, high-quality, environmentally friendly shipping services. By maintaining reliable connections with China, Europe and North America — even during periods of geopolitical disruption — the Group has supported the Kingdom’s global supply chains and commercial growth, reinforcing its position as a trusted logistics partner in the region.

Grimaldi’s service quality and customer-first approach have consolidated its reputation as a reliable partner for Saudi ports and stakeholders. Looking ahead, the Group’s long-term vision includes increasing service frequency, further integrating sustainable practices across operations and continuing to invest in the region to support its rapidly evolving logistics landscape.

The new Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC) Grande Manila was delivered to the Grimaldi Group and christened on the 12th January in Shanghai. Built by SWS (Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company Limited) and CSTC (China Shipbuilding Trading Company Limited) – both part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC) – the vessel is the Italian group’s seventh ammonia-ready unit, meaning she is prepared for the future use of ammonia as an alternative, zero-carbon fuel.

With a length of 200 meters, a beam of 38 meters, and a gross tonnage of approximately 77,500 tons, the Grande Manila has been designed for the efficient transport of vehicles (cars, SUVs, vans, etc.), both electric and powered by traditional fuels, as well as any other type of rolling cargo. The vessel 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 Grande Manila pays tribute not only to the capital of the Philippines, but to the entire maritime community of the country for the extraordinary contribution it makes to the global shipping industry. The vessel’s name also reflects the growing importance of the Asian nation within the Group’s commercial network: following the recent launch of a new service connecting China with the port of Batangas with two sailings per month, Grimaldi aims to expand its presence in other Philippine ports as well, such as Manila.

Among those attending the delivery and christening ceremony were Zhang Wei, Vice President of SWS, and Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Automotive Intercontinental Director of the Grimaldi Group.

The role of godmother of the Grande Manila was entrusted to Doris Ho, President and CEO of Magsaysay Group, a leading Philippine company in maritime recruitment and crew management. For ten years, this group has been a partner of the manning company Grimaldi Marine Partners in a structured joint venture in the Philippines, which today enables the employment of thousands of highly qualified Filipino seafarers on board Grimaldi Group vessels.

“With the arrival of Grande Manila we are celebrating, on the one hand, a new and important milestone in the expansion and modernisation of our fleet, and on the other, our increasingly strong ties with the Philippines, a country with a great seafaring tradition,” said Grimaldi Group Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi. “Filipino seafarers represent a fundamental resource for our fleet: their professionalism, dedication and reliability are values that contribute every day to the safety and efficiency of our operations. For our part, also through the partnership with the Ho family and Magsaysay Group, we reaffirm our commitment to the growth and well-being of this extraordinary human capital. At the same time, by adding Philippine ports to our network of services, operated regularly by state-of-the-art vessels, we will further contribute to the sustainable growth of the country’s economy.”

The maiden voyage of the Grande Manila will begin this week on the Asia–Europe service. The vessel will depart from Taicang (China) carrying over 5,800 cars and 1,300 linear metres of other rolling cargo (buses, trucks, excavators, wheel loaders), which will be delivered to the United Kingdom, Spain and Belgium and, via transhipment at Grimaldi’s Antwerp hub, to other Northern European and Mediterranean destinations. From Europe, the vessel will sail back to East Asia, with her return to China scheduled for the end of April.

In line with her sisters the Grande Manila is equipped with a state-of-the-art electronic engine, which offers one of the lowest specific fuel consumptions in its class and 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 Manila reduces the CO₂ emissions index per transported cargo by up to 50% compared to previous-generation PCTC vessels.

Additionally, the Grande Manila 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.

Dear customer,

Due to the continued increase in requirements regarding ICS2 protocols, pre-announcement of transiting cargoes, CDS (UK customs ) requirements, etc., it has become necessary to review the present charge levels for B/lading and Customs documentation.

Therefore, as of the 1st of February 2026 the rate for Blading and Custom documentation will rise to.

Bill of Lading £60.00 per set

Export Customs

• £50.00 per standard entry – additional entry item will be charged at £7.50 per additional entry item

• Multiple Customs entries where required for a specific shipment, will be subject to additional Standard charges for each entry required.

• If more than 1 UCR is given for a booking, then a MUCR is required as Destin8 can only accept 1 MUCR / UCR.  If you are unable to supply a MUCR then Grimaldi can complete this at a charge of £7.50

• Where Grimaldi intervention is required to resolve 3rd party customs issues a £15.00 charge will be levied for each intervention.

It should be noted that the Blading & customs charges have not increase in the past 4 years, yet the service requirement to produce documents in a every shorter time scale has increased greatly.

Please find the 1st Quarter (2026)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 Jan 1st to 31st Mar 2026.

We are in receipt of below Mandatory Compliance Notice from the Sierra Leone Port and Harbours Authority, and as below, we remind customers of the importance of 100% accurate seal information.

Please ensure that you and your customers understand that Grimaldi Group accepts no liability for any additional costs and/or fines due to failure to provide correct seal information any such costs will be passed back to Shippers.

Message sent as received…

++

Mandatory Compliance Notice – Handling of Containers Arriving Without Seals

Dear All,

The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has observed an increasing number of containers arriving at our Port without seals, with damaged or tampered seals, or with seal numbers that do not match the documentation. As you are aware, ports worldwide face heightened security and safety risks, making strict adherence to international best practices essential to safeguarding operations and national security.

SLPHA wishes to draw your immediate attention to an important operational and security directive regarding the handling of such containers.

Effective immediately, please be advised:

1. Non-Discharge of Unsealed Containers:
   Any container arriving without a seal, with a broken seal, or with a seal number that does not match the manifest will not be discharged.
2. Conditional Discharge Requirements:
   Should a shipping line request discharge of such a container, the following conditions must be met:
   • The container will remain onboard until a joint inspection is conducted by SLPHA, Customs, Port Security, the Terminal Operator, and the Shipping Line representative.
   • The shipping line must provide a written statement accepting full responsibility for the missing or broken seal and any issues arising from the inspection.
   • A penalty fee of USD 15,000 will be imposed on the shipping line for each container arriving without an intact seal prior to discharge. This fee must be paid in full to the SLPHA account before discharge authorization.
3. Liability:
   Shipping lines will be held fully liable for any cargo discrepancies, damages, or prohibited items discovered during investigations.
4. Next Steps:
   SLPHA and Customs will determine the appropriate course of action, which may include:
   • Supervised discharge
   • Full physical examination
   • Re-sealing
   • Re-exportation of the container
5. Additional Costs:
   Any additional costs or administrative charges resulting from seal discrepancies will be charged to the responsible shipping line.

This policy is essential to maintain the integrity of cargo at our Port, ensure compliance with global security standards, and minimize operational and reputational risks for all stakeholders.

For further clarification, please contact the SLPHA Port Operations Department.

We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and continued partnership.

Yankuba Askia Bio.

Director General

Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority

Queen Elizabeth II Quay, PMB 386

Cline Town, Freetown-Sierra Leone

Mobile: +232 (76) 343733

Secured Email: ybio@slpa.sl

Personal Email: yankubamc@yahoo.com

Grande Istanbul: Grimaldi’s new car carrier christened and delivered

Another ammonia-ready vessel joins the Italian Group’s fleet to strengthen its vehicle transport services. Her maiden voyage on the regular East Asia–Persian Gulf service will begin shortly.

On 28 November in Shanghai, the christening and delivery ceremony of the Grande Istanbul was held. Ordered from the SWS (Shanghai Waigaoquiao Shipbuilding Company Limited) and CSTC (China Shipbuilding Trading Company Limited) shipyards – both part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC) – this is the sixth ammonia-ready Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC) of the Grimaldi Group.

With a length of 200 meters, a beam of 38 meters, and a gross tonnage of approximately 77,500 tons, the Grande Istanbul has been designed for the efficient transport of vehicles (cars, SUVs, vans, etc.), both electric and powered by traditional fuels, as well as any other type of rolling cargo. The vessel 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.

Attending the christening and delivery ceremony were, among others, Zhang Wei, Vice President of SWS, Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Automotive Intercontinental Director of the Grimaldi Group, and representatives of SANY, a Chinese producer of heavy machinery and equipment for construction, mining, infrastructure and other industries, which relies on the Grimaldi Group’s transport services from China to various ports in Africa, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Persian Gulf. As evidence of an increasingly solid and significant partnership, Chunyan Yuan, Vice President of SANY Group, attended the event as the godmother of the Grande Istanbul.

The new vessel is already ready for her maiden voyage on the Grimaldi Group’s regular East Asia–Persian Gulf service. In the coming days, from the Chinese ports of Taicang and Ningbo, over 2,000 cars, around 1,000 vans and 4,800 linear metres of other rolling cargo (including cranes, trailers, trucks, excavators and breakbulk cargo) will be shipped to Jebel Ali, in the United Arab Emirates.

“We are proud that our investments in new vessels are translating into enhanced services and value for customers like SANY, with whom we continue to grow, driven by efficiency and sustainability,” said Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Grimaldi Group. “With large, modern, and environmentally friendly units like the Grande Istanbul, we are making a concrete contribution to the development of key trades such as those to and from Asia, responding to the growing demand for reliable and high-quality connections.”

 Grande Istanbul

The name Grande Istanbul pays tribute to one of Turkey’s major cities. For years, the Grimaldi Group’s vessels have been calling at various Turkish ports (Ambarli, Autoport, Derince, Gemlik, Izmir, and Yenikoy) as part of regular services dedicated to the transport of vehicles and other rolling cargo in the Mediterranean and to/from Northern Europe.

The vessel is equipped with a state-of-the-art electronic engine, which offers one of the lowest specific fuel consumptions in its class and 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 Istanbul reduces the CO₂ emissions index per transported cargo by up to 50% compared to previous-generation PCTC vessels.

Additionally, the Grande Istanbul 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.

Thanks to the deployment of four latest-generation con-ro vessels (including G5-class ships), there are now departures every fifteen days from the Chinese ports of Ningbo and Taicang–Shanghai to Durban, and then from there to Lagos.

The transit time offered by the Grimaldi Group from China to Durban is the best on the market: only 18 days. Equally advantageous is the transit time between the South African port and Lagos—just nine days. Durban has therefore become a crucial hub for national trade flows, both for imports from China and exports to West Africa.

And that’s not all: through transshipment at the PTML terminal in Lagos—the largest ro-ro terminal in West Africa, owned by the Grimaldi Group—cargo originating from China and South Africa can continue its journey with fast and frequent connections to major West African ports, including Abidjan, Tema, Douala, Dakar and Casablanca, as well as to South America, notably the Brazilian ports of Santos and Paranaguá.

This new ammonia-ready car carrier is ready to begin her maiden voyage on the Group’s Asia-Europe service, transporting thousands of cars and other rolling cargo.

On 22 October, the port of Shanghai hosted a special ceremony for the official naming and delivery of the Grimaldi Group’s latest vessel, the Grande Melbourne. This is the third of a series of seven cutting-edge, ammonia-ready Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC) ships commissioned to Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company Limited (SWS) and China Shipbuilding Trading Company Limited (CSTC), both subsidiaries of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC).

With a length of 200 meters, a beam of 38 meters, and a gross tonnage of approximately 77,500 tons, the Grande Melbourne has been designed for efficient 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.

Participants in the vessel’s naming and delivery ceremony event included, among others, Xu Sha, Deputy General Manager of SWS, Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Automotive Intercontinental Director of the Grimaldi Group, representatives from the world-leading provider of inland transport solutions Scania and Xu Huayan, Director of Shanghai Haitong International Automotive Terminal Co.,Ltd. As a sign of the strong cooperation between the Grimaldi Group and Shanghai Haitong International Automotive Terminal, Xu Huayan acted as the godmother of the Grande Melbourne.

“Our new-generation PCTCs are setting a new standard in the global transport of vehicles across key global routes, especially those connecting Asia to the rest of the world”, stated Grimaldi Group Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi. “Once again, we thank SWS for the excellent job made in the construction of the Grande Melbourne and her sister vessels. We are also deeply grateful to our long-standing customers like Scania, who keep appreciating our commitment to delivering increasingly efficient transport services worldwide”.

As part of her maiden voyage on the Grimaldi Group’s Asia-Europe service, the Grande Melbourne is scheduled to depart from Asia later this month, following cargo operations in China – at the ports of Taicang and Xiaomo – and in Thailand, at Laem Chabang. On board, she will carry around 5,900 cars and 800 linear meters of rolling cargo (wheel loaders, excavators, tractors, buses) bound for Northern Europe.

After calling at several ports in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean – including Southampton, Antwerp, Wilhelmshaven, Bremerhaven, Setubal, and Tanger Med – the vessel will continue her voyage towards Reunion, India and the Persian Gulf, before reaching Taiwan and returning to China.

More about the Grande Melbourne

The latest addition to the Grimaldi Group’s fleet is named after the city of Melbourne, Australia. Since 2023, this port is part of the regular monthly service dedicated to the transport of rolling cargo from Europe to Oceania.

The vessel is equipped with a state-of-the-art electronic engine, which offers one of the lowest specific fuel consumptions in its class and 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 Melbourne 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.