Author: Peter Oakley

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.

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.

Vertical expansion, greener ambitions: AET’s multilevel car park evolution

When, in August 2022, the first multi-storey car park became operational at Antwerp EuroTerminal (AET) – the largest multipurpose terminal in the Belgian port, fully owned by the Grimaldi Group – it marked a milestone in port logistics. This seven-level, 21-metre-high facility, with a total surface area of about 172,000 m² and room for over 9,000 cars, became the biggest single car park in Belgium and a turning point for car handling at Grimaldi’s main port hub in Northern Europe.

Building on this achievement, AET introduced Sections 2 and 3 of the multilevel car park in March 2025, significantly boosting terminal infrastructure and capacity. The expansion provided space for an additional 12,500 cars, bringing the total capacity of the facility to around 22,000 vehicles. These are accommodated across the seven floors of the building, adding an area of 367,000 m² built on just 55,000 m² of land.

The ground floor was designed with a higher ceiling (4.8 m) to accommodate taller vehicles and support value-added services. For enhanced safety, internal ramps are heated to prevent slippery conditions during icy or snowy weather. In addition, cross traffic is eliminated, enhancing operational efficiency and terminal safety.

Sustainable design and energy innovation

More than just a capacity upgrade, the construction and expansion of the multilevel car park embodies AET’s – and the Grimaldi Group’s – sustainability vision by building vertically rather than horizontally, thus preserving land and reducing environmental impact.

The roof of Section 1 is fitted with 8,300 solar panels generating 3.8 megawatts of clean electricity, used primarily to charge hybrid and electric vehicles. This initiative complements a broader portfolio of eco-conscious efforts at AET, including the installation of wind turbines, electric vehicle charging poles, battery energy storage systems, intelligent energy management, and the use of electric forklifts.

Other environmental measures include rainwater buffering and reuse for car washing and container cleaning, hydrogen-powered terminal equipment trials, and the upcoming shore power connection for seagoing vessels, scheduled to be operational in 2026.

Through these initiatives, AET continues to redefine standards for green logistics in Europe and beyond.

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.

We are proud to announce that through the generosity of our loyal customer supporting our nomination, we have been listed as one of the FINALISTS, for this years ‘Sea Freight Company of the year’ award at the Multimodal 2025 exhibition at the NEC Birmingham.

We truly appreciate the support shown in nominating us and hope that you will now further support us by voting for Grimaldi, using the link below.

If you have any customers that have appreciated the service Grimaldi provided to you over the year and may want to vote for us also, then we’d hope you could share the below voting link.

Thanks again for your continued friendship and hope you can assist us in this opportunity to further strengthen the profile of Grimaldi and the routes we serve.

We look forward to welcoming at our stand 6022 those of you that intend to visit this year’s Multimodal Exhibition.

Vote  GRIMALDI

You can select Grimaldi from the drop down list of nominees in the ‘Sea freight Company of the year’ category

Voting closes on the 23^rd May

As part of its fleet expansion and renewal program, the Grimaldi Group has commissioned the construction of nine ro-pax vessels from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai), a China Merchants Group company. The agreement for these cutting-edge new builds, worth a total of $1.3 billion, was signed this morning in Hong Kong.

The new ships have been designed to elevate the quality of maritime transport for both rolling cargo and passengers in the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea. All nine will be equipped with engines capable of running on methanol, making them ready to achieve the “Net Zero Emission” goal. Indeed, they will combine transport capacity, innovative design and onboard comfort, all perfectly aligned with environmental sustainability.

Four vessels will sail under the Italian flag and be operated under the Grimaldi Lines brand, while two, will be deployed by the Greek subsidiary Minoan Lines. These six sister ships belong to the “Next Generation Med” class and will serve routes in the Mediterranean. The other three will be delivered to Finnlines, sailing under the Finnish flag and inaugurating the “Hansa Superstar” class – constituting the evolution of the already state-of-the-art “Superstar” series – intended for routes in the Baltic Sea.

All nine ships will be delivered between 2028 and 2030 and will feature ground-breaking, green technology innovations. Optimized hull and propeller designs, energy-efficient onboard power management systems (both at sea and in port), shore power readiness and the application of silicon-based hull coatings will reduce CO₂ emissions per transported cargo unit by more than 50% compared to vessels currently operating on the same routes.

With length of 229 metres, the new Mediterranean ro-pax vessels will have a cargo capacity of 3,300 lane metres for rolling freight and over 300 cars. They can accommodate up to 2,500 passengers, offering more than 300 cabins (for a total of over 1,200 guests) and approximately 700 reclining seats.

Passengers will have access to numerous onboard amenities, including three bars, a shopping area, a conference hall, two self-service restaurants, a panoramic à la carte restaurant, an indoor/outdoor lounge with an impressive sun deck featuring two pools, and a rooftop disco bar. The interior design will be carefully curated, with separate customized furnishings for Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines vessels, each specifically catering to the tastes and specific needs of their respective target markets.

This new generation of vessels also marks a breakthrough in energy efficiency: the six “Next Generation Med” ships will be the first in the Mediterranean designed to run on methanol.

As for the three new builds designated for the Baltic Sea, they will be 240 metres long, with a cargo capacity of 5,100 lane metres for rolling freight plus 90 cars, and accommodation in 320 cabins for up to 1,100 passengers. The new design is based on Finnlines’ Superstar-class vessels, Finnsirius and Finncanopus, but has been adapted for the Finland-Germany route. The new ships will better suit longer crossings, feature new cabin categories and provide restaurant options tailored to different passenger preferences, with a strong focus on comfort and onboard experience.

Facilities include five bars and restaurants, a spa with a wide range of services and treatments, including the iconic Finnish sauna, shops, and two children’s play areas designed for different age groups. One of the standout features is the main bar at the bow of deck 12, which will offer breath taking views of the Baltic Sea during the crossing.

Wu Sichuan, Chairman of China Merchants Industry said, “China Merchants Industry Group and the Grimaldi Group have always been adhering to the concept of ‘innovation-driven, quality first’, making breakthroughs in green ship technology and intelligent shipping, and jointly defining a new benchmark in ro-pax vessels. As a leader in high-end equipment manufacturing in China, China Merchants Industry Group and CMI Weihai Shipyard will bring together a top R&D team, lean manufacturing system and full life cycle service system to ensure high-quality project delivery and help Grimaldi further consolidate its leading position in the European and global ro-ro shipping market,” declared . “China Merchants Industry is willing to continue to work with the Grimaldi Group to deepen cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as zero-carbon fuel and smart ships and jointly provide more efficient and sustainable shipping solutions for global customers.”

Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Grimaldi Group expanded upon the order by saying  “With the order of these nine extraordinary ro-pax vessels, we continue and strengthen our long, successful alliance with China Merchants Group, an outstanding partner for the building of cutting-edge ships,” said . “The new Next Generation Med and Hansa Superstar classes are the result of a thorough study of our customers’ needs and, more broadly, those of shipping. Today more than ever, the latter requires quality, efficiency and environmental sustainability to remain a key mode of national and international freight and passenger transport. In particular, the exceptional performance in CO₂ emission reduction and the use of methanol as an alternative fuel bring our Group even closer to the global goal of net-zero emissions, further solidifying our position as a leading player in short-sea transport in the Mediterranean and Baltic regions.”