Italian shipowner Grimaldi Group held a naming ceremony for the first of 10 pure car and truck carriers (PCTC) commissioned by China Merchants Heavy Industries Haimen shipyard (CMHI Haimen shipyard). The new vessel named “Grande Shanghai”.
On October 20, 2022, CMHI Haimen shipyard successfully signed a contract with Grimaldi for five 9,000 CEU PCTCs. On January 20, 2023, the two parties successfully signed a contract for five optional order vessels for the project. Each vessel costs approximately US$100 million to build, with the total value of the 10 new vessels amounting to approximately US$1 billion. According to the latest information, the first five new vessels will have a capacity of 9,000 CEU, while the remaining five will have an increased capacity of 9,800 CEU.
The concept for the new buildings was developed by the Italian shipping company in collaboration with the Knud E. Hansen naval design and architecture studio. With loading capacity of over 9,000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units), they are designed to transport electric vehicles (cars, SUVs, vans, etc.) as well as those powered by fossil fuels. They have received the Ammonia Ready class notation from RINA, which certifies that they are designed for future conversion for the use of ammonia as marine fuel.
These vessels will be equipped with mega lithium batteries, solar panels and shore connection capability (cold ironing), which – where available – constitutes a green alternative to the consumption of fossil fuels during port stays. Other state-of-the-art technologies will be installed on board with the aim of reducing the carbon footprint – these include an air lubrication system, innovative propulsion and optimized hull design. Overall, the new ships will be able to cut fuel consumption by 50% compared to the previous generation of car carrier vessels.
The Grande Shanghai and her sister vessls are part of a major $2.5 billion newbuilding program, involving the delivery of 25 ultra-modern vessels in the period 2023-2027. Once the car carriers have been delivered – this is scheduled between 2025 and 2027 – all ten will be deployed between Europe, North Africa, and the Near and Far East to meet the demand of the global vehicle market.