Grande Shanghai, Grimaldi Group's first Ammonia Ready car carrier
the naming ceremony of the Grande Shanghai was held — marking the launch of the first of ten next-generation PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) vessels
Naples, 21 July 2025: This morning in Haimen (Jiangsu, China), the naming ceremony of the Grande Shanghai was held — marking the launch of the first of ten next-generation PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) vessels commissioned by the Grimaldi Group from China Merchants Heavy Industries.
Compared to the previous car carrier generation, she reduces fuel consumption per cargo unit transported by 50%.
Across her 14 decks, she can accommodate both electric vehicles and those powered by traditional fuels.
The Grande Shanghai is also the first vessel in the Grimaldi fleet to obtain the Ammonia Ready class notation from the Italian Shipping Registry (RINA), which certifies that she may be converted for the use of ammonia as an alternative, zero-carbon fuel: a key step toward energy transition and efficient, carbon-free maritime transport.
The vessel integrates numerous green technologies: mega lithium batteries with a total power of 5 MWh, 2,500 square meters of solar panels, and cold ironing with shoreside supply of electricity where available.
Her advanced energy optimization systems also feature silicon-based hull coatings to reduce drag, smart ventilation and air conditioning controls, an electronically controlled engine with an exhaust gas cleaning system to reduce sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, and selective catalytic reduction to limit nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions below TIER III levels.
Additional innovations further minimizing her environmental impact include an Air Lubrication System, optimized hull design, and an innovative gate rudder installed for the first time on a PCTC vessel. This rudder, featuring two foil blades positioned on either side of the propeller, improves propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability.Thanks to her remarkable features, the Grande Shanghai is poised to navigate a bold new course toward a future of global maritime transport that is more sustainable, innovative, and efficient.
Other news
Vertical expansion, greener ambitions: AET’s multilevel car park evolution
When, in August 2022, the first multi-storey car park became operational at Antwerp EuroTerminal (AET) – the largest multipurpose terminal in the Belgian port, fully owned by the Grimaldi Group – it marked a milestone in port logistics.
GRIMALDI GROUP WINS EXCELLENCE IN DECARBONISATION TOWARDS 2050 AT THE LLOYD'S LIST EUROPE AWARDS
Grimaldi Group won “Excellence in Decarbonisation towards 2050” at the Lloyd’s List Europe Awards presented on the 10 December at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London.
THE GRIMALDI GROUP CHRISTENS THE GRANDE TORINO, NEW FLAGSHIP FOR THE TRANSPORT OF CARS
Civitavecchia, 8th November 2019 – This morning the Pure Car & Truck Carrier Grande Torino of the Grimaldi Group was christened in the port of Civitavecchia.
EMANUELE GRIMALDI PRAISES THE CONTRIBUTION OF ICS TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME RESEARCH FUND
Naples, 8 January 2020: It is an unprecedented landmark decision, the one made by world shipping to fight global warming
Finnlines invests in the highest passenger comfort – two environmentally friendly Superstar 5,100 lm ro-pax vessels ordered
Finnlines invests in the highest passenger comfort – two environmentally friendly Superstar 5,100 lm ro-pax vessels ordered. Finnlines is pleased to announce that it has recently signed an order for two ro-pax vessels from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard
THE GRANDE HOUSTON DELIVERED TO THE GRIMALDI GROUP
Naples, 23 January 2020 – The Grimaldi Group fleet expands further with the arrival of the new Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC) Grande Houston.
Grimaldi takes delivery of the Great Antwerp
Grimaldi takes delivery of the Great Antwerp: new “G5” vessel class inaugurated