Grimaldi Orders $1.3 Billion Methanol-Ready Ro-Pax Vessels from Chinese Shipyard

Italian shipping group Grimaldi has recently made a significant investment by placing a $1.3 billion order for nine methanol-ready Roll-On/Roll-Off Passenger (Ro-Pax) vessels at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai). This order is part of Grimaldi’s fleet expansion and renewal agenda, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and innovation in the maritime industry.

Contract Details

The shipbuilding contract, signed on April 8 in Hong Kong, includes six vessels to be operated under the Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines brands, with an additional three units to be deployed by Finnlines. Four vessels will fly the Italian flag under Grimaldi Lines, while two Greek-flagged ships will operate under Minoan Lines. The remaining three vessels will sail under the Finnish flag for Finnlines, serving routes in the Baltic Sea.

Environmental Focus

Grimaldi’s new ships will be equipped with engines capable of running on methanol, aligning with their Net Zero Emission goal. These vessels will feature optimized hull and propeller designs, energy-efficient onboard power management systems, shore power readiness, and silicon-based hull coatings to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 50% per cargo unit compared to existing vessels on the same routes.

Vessel Specifications

The six Ro-Pax ships for the Mediterranean routes will have a length of 229 meters, a cargo capacity of 3,300 lane meters, and accommodation for up to 2,500 passengers. They will be the first methanol-powered vessels in the Mediterranean. The three Finnlines ships for the Baltic Sea will be 240 meters long, with a cargo capacity of 5,100 lane meters and accommodation for 1,100 passengers.

Quote from Emanuele Grimaldi

Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi expressed his enthusiasm for the new vessels, stating, “The new Next Generation Med and Hansa Superstar classes are the result of a thorough study of our customers’ needs and the industry’s requirements for quality, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. By reducing CO₂ emissions and using methanol as fuel, we are moving closer to the global goal of net-zero emissions, solidifying our position as a leader in short-sea transport in the Mediterranean and Baltic regions.“

With this order, Grimaldi continues its successful partnership with China Merchants Group and reinforces its commitment to sustainable shipping practices. The delivery of these innovative vessels between 2028 and 2030 will mark a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards a greener future.