Deltamarin has signed a design and engineering contract with China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard for six new RoPax vessels ordered by the Grimaldi Group.
The agreement includes basic and detail design for the “Next Generation Med” class vessels, which will be deployed across key Mediterranean routes under the Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines brands.
Of the six vessels, four will sail under the Italian flag and be operated under the Grimaldi Lines brand, while two will be registered under the Greek flag and operated by Grimaldi’s subsidiary Minoan Lines. All six ships are set to elevate maritime transport in the Mediterranean through a unique combination of high freight and passenger capacity, next-generation environmental performance, and enhanced onboard experience.
Each 229-meter vessel will feature 3,300 lane meters for rolling freight, space for over 300 passenger vehicles, and capacity for up to 2,500 passengers. Accommodation includes more than 300 cabins for over 1,200 guests.
The vessels will be powered by engines capable of running on methanol—making them the first ships in the Mediterranean designed specifically for this alternative fuel. Additional green technologies include e.g. shore power readiness, silicon-based hull coatings, optimized hull and propeller designs, and advanced onboard power management systems. These features will collectively reduce CO₂ emissions per cargo unit by more than 50% compared to current vessels operating on similar routes.
The design work will begin at Deltamarin immediately with vessel deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2030.
In addition to the design contract for three Hansa Superstar-class RoPax vessels announced on May 27, Deltamarin is providing design services for both types of the nine RoPax vessels ordered by Grimaldi.
The Hansa Superstar-class RoPax vessel flies the Finnish flag and is operated by Grimaldi’s Finnlines. It is an upgraded version of the Superstar series of RoPax vessels and is mainly used on Baltic Sea routes.
Grimaldi and China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard signed a contract on April 8, 2025, for the construction of nine Type 2 rRoPax vessels. The total value of the order is as high as US$1.3 billion, with delivery expected between 2028 and 2030.