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The Grimaldi Group received its new vessel, Grande Oriente, built by China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu. The ship is the Neapolitan shipping company's twelfth Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC) prepared for the use of ammonia, designed for its future conversion to ammonia as an alternative carbon-free fuel.
Like its sister ships already in service —Grande Shanghai, Grande Svezia, Grande Michigan and Grande Inghilterra—, the new PCTC stands out for its large cargo capacity and reduced environmental impact, thanks to its design and the numerous advanced technological solutions installed on board.
With a length of 220 meters, a beam of 38 meters, a gross tonnage of 93,145, and a cruising speed of 18 knots, the Grande Oriente can transport both electric vehicles and fossil fuel-powered vehicles with a maximum capacity of 9,000 CEU.
The vessel's name celebrates the Grimaldi Group's expansion into Far Eastern markets, where in recent years the company has strengthened its presence through an increasingly extensive, frequent, and comprehensive network of maritime services. This network connects strategic markets with a global system of over 150 ports on five continents.
In line with this strategy, the Grande Oriente will make its maiden voyage on the Asia-Europe route, sailing in the coming days from Taicang, China, bound for Portbury, United Kingdom, transporting 700 linear meters of rolling cargo and over 6,200 automobiles.
From an environmental perspective, the Grande Oriente has obtained Ammonia Ready certification from the Italian Ship Register (Rina), which certifies its ability to operate on ammonia as a carbon-free alternative fuel. However, this is not the only ecological technology installed on board this highly innovative vessel, capable of reducing fuel consumption by 50% compared to previous generations of car carriers. The vessel has also received Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration, and Comfort Noise Port certifications.
The vessel is equipped with lithium megabatteries with a total capacity of 5 MWh and shore power connection capability, allowing it to draw electricity directly from land where facilities are available. Both systems enable it to achieve zero emissions while in port.
The ship incorporates the most advanced energy efficiency technologies, including 2,500 square meters of solar panels, silicon-based hull coatings to reduce resistance, and intelligent systems to optimize ventilation and air conditioning. Its electronically controlled engine features an exhaust gas cleaning system to reduce sulfur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, and selective catalytic reduction to limit nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions below TIER III levels.
Other 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, which consists of two airfoil-shaped blades located on either side of the propeller, improving both propulsion efficiency and maneuverability.
"Grande Oriente is not just a state-of-the-art vessel, but also the symbol of a strategy firmly focused on Eastern markets, which are becoming increasingly important in global trade flows," said Emanuele Grimaldi, CEO of the Grimaldi Group.
"Thanks to our continuous investments in fleet renewal and the expansion of our service network, we are strengthening the Group's ability to offer extensive, frequent, and sustainable maritime connections, while providing our customers—particularly vehicle manufacturers—with increasingly efficient logistical solutions," said Grimaldi.
