Grimaldi Group has taken delivery of the Grande Shanghai — a car carrier that the Italian shipping company claims reduces fuel consumption by 50% compared to previous-generation vessels.

The 9,000 car equivalent unit (CEU) capacity vessel was delivered on August 27 from China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu, marking the first of ten next-generation pure car and truck carriers (PCTC) commissioned by the Naples-based group.

The Grande Shanghai is the second ammonia-ready unit in Grimaldi's fleet, following the Grande Tianjin delivered in early August. The vessel has obtained ammonia-ready notation from the Italian Naval Register (RINA), certifying it can be converted to use ammonia as an alternative fuel.

Designed in collaboration with naval architecture firm Knud E. Hansen, the 220-metre vessel has a gross tonnage of 91,611 tonnes and cruising speed of 18 knots. Its 14 decks can transport both electric and fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

The ship features 5 MWh lithium battery capacity and shore power connectivity for zero emissions during port stays. Additional energy optimisation technologies include 2,500 square metres of solar panels, silicon-based hull coatings to reduce drag, and smart ventilation controls.

Environmental systems include an exhaust gas cleaning system for sulphur oxide and particulate matter reduction, plus selective catalytic reduction to limit nitrogen oxide emissions below TIER III levels. The vessel also incorporates an air lubrication system and what Grimaldi describes as an innovative gate rudder — featuring two foil blades positioned either side of the propeller.

"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."

The Grande Shanghai will begin service on Grimaldi's East Asia — East Africa route, departing from Taicang, China in early September with calls at Mombasa, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The vessel is loaded with 7,000 linear metres of rolling cargo including trucks, trailers, buses and agricultural machinery.

The ship is planned to strengthen Grimaldi's vehicle transport services between East Asia and Northern Europe. The remaining nine vessels in the series — five with 9,000 CEU capacity and four with 9,800 CEU capacity — are scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2027.

Grimaldi has a further 15 ammonia-ready PCTC units under construction, also destined for Asian market routes.