Finnish technology company Auramarine has been selected to supply methanol fuel supply systems for six new ro-pax vessels ordered by Grimaldi Group from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai).

The vessels, scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030, will operate in the Mediterranean under the Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines brands. They will be equipped with engines capable of running on methanol as part of Grimaldi Group’s net-zero ambitions.

Auramarine will deliver methanol fuel supply systems for all six vessels, covering the entire supply chain from bunkering to the main engine. Each delivery includes control and emergency shutdown (ESD) automation. The systems are designed to support safe operation in hazardous areas, incorporating inerting and drainage concepts and meeting class and regulatory requirements for methanol as a marine fuel.

In addition to methanol systems, Auramarine will supply main and auxiliary engine conventional fuel supply units, enabling the dual-fuel vessels to operate using HFO, MGO and biofuels. The Finnish firm noted that dual-fuel engines offer fuel flexibility, helping operators switch between fuels and optimise costs as markets and fuel availability change.

The six ro-pax vessels will sail under Italian and Greek flags. They will feature optimised hull and propeller designs, energy-efficient power management systems, shore power readiness and silicon-based hull coatings, which are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions per transported cargo unit by more than 50% compared to current tonnage on the same routes.

The order builds on Auramarine’s cooperation with Grimaldi Group, following a previously announced contract to deliver methanol, biofuel and HFO fuel supply systems for three Finnlines 'Hansa Superstar' ro-pax vessels operating on the Finland–Germany route.

John Bergman, CEO of Auramarine, said: “Auramarine is proud to support the Grimaldi Group’s ambitious decarbonisation roadmap with proven methanol fuel supply expertise. These new vessels highlight how alternative fuels like methanol, supported by advanced fuel supply systems and other green technologies, can deliver substantial emissions reductions in the Mediterranean.”

Auramarine, headquartered in Turku, Finland, has offices in Finland and China, with service hubs in Singapore and the United States.