Grimaldi Group has taken delivery of its eighth ammonia-ready pure car and truck carrier, Grande Michigan, which is set to enter service on the Asia–Europe trade route.

The vessel was handed over on 12 February by China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu and follows sister ships Grande Shanghai and Grande Svezia, which have been operating since 2025.

Measuring 220 metres in length with a 38-metre beam, Grande Michigan has a gross tonnage of 93,145 tonnes and a service speed of 18 knots. Across 14 decks, the ship can carry up to 9,000 car equivalent units (CEU), accommodating both electric vehicles and conventionally powered cars.

The vessel has received an Ammonia Ready notation from the Italian Shipping Register (RINA), confirming it is designed for future conversion to operate on ammonia as a zero-emission fuel. Grimaldi said the newbuild can reduce fuel consumption by around 50% compared with earlier generations of car carriers.

Grande Michigan has also been awarded Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration and Comfort Noise Port class notations.

Environmental features include lithium batteries with a combined capacity of 5 MWh and cold ironing capability, allowing zero-emission operations while alongside. The ship is further equipped with 2,500 square metres of solar panels, silicon-based hull coatings to reduce resistance and smart ventilation and air-conditioning systems.

Its electronically controlled engine incorporates an exhaust gas cleaning system to cut sulphur oxide and particulate matter emissions, alongside selective catalytic reduction to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions below Tier III levels. Additional efficiency technologies include an air lubrication system, an optimised hull form and a gate rudder arrangement, installed for the first time on a PCTC vessel.

Grimaldi Group managing director Emanuele Grimaldi said: “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. 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 vessel is preparing for its maiden voyage, departing from Taicang in China carrying more than 7,000 cars and vans along with over 100 additional rolling units, including heavy vehicles, mafi trailers and project cargo, bound for Mediterranean ports.