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.

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 July 1st to Sept 30th 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.

Multimodal 2025 exhibition at the NEC Birmingham (17^th-19^th June).

Staff from Grimaldi London both Agency and Line along with staff from Grimaldi Liverpool, were able to expand on the various facets of the Grimaldi Global and ACL transatlantic services.

The stand provided a clear stopping point with its cutaway Model of an ACL G4 vessel and 3 screens showing the full range of the vessel and services offered by the Group.  Grimaldi through its extensive videos were able to highlight the cutting-edge nature of the vessels, extensive portfolios owned ports and terminals as well as growing investment in ecological solutions to the fight to save our oceans and marine life from the spectre of global warming and marine micro-plastics.

Grimaldi Group would like to thank all those that spent time with us and hope to see you and many more again next year.

Grimaldi recognized as top partner of Mitsubishi: Japanese delegation comes on board

For a company, there is no success without satisfied customers — but it is when the quality of services provided exceeds all expectations that a true market leader stands out.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation recently recognized the Grimaldi Group as its best maritime transport partner for 2024, capable of offering top-quality services with a minimal cargo damage rate and clearly outperforming other competitors.

Impressed by Grimaldi’s performance and high-quality standards, a delegation from the Japanese automotive company was invited to gain deeper insight into the operations of the Italian shipping company by visiting one of its modern PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) vessels.

On 2 April, the guests were welcomed aboard the Grande Torino during her call at the port of Yokohama, one of two Japanese ports — the other being Toyohashi — served monthly by the Grimaldi Group as part of the Asia-Europe line. The Master and crew led the delegation on a tour of the ship, visiting the accommodation areas, the bridge and the cargo decks. In these latter areas, the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation representatives were able to learn more about Grimaldi’s high standards of quality and damage prevention, as well as the safety procedures during loading operations, and also to see first hand how thoroughly and efficiently those operations are carried out.

“We got to know more about Grimaldi and why the quality of its transport services is so excellent,” the Japanese delegation commented enthusiastically at the end of an experience that further strengthened the partnership between the Italian shipping group and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation: two leading players in their respective industries, united by a shared passion for excellence.