Kongsberg’s official WeChat account announced that Kongsberg Maritime has signed two significant contracts with China Merchants Weihai Shipyard to supply equipment for six new RoPax vessels for Grimaldi Group.
The first contract, signed in the summer of 2025, covers controllable pitch propellers and shafting systems, Promas rudder systems, steering gear, AutoChief propulsion control systems, and reduction gearboxes. The second and newly signed contract includes a complete energy and automation solution, specifically comprising shaft generators, DC drive systems, electric motors and transformers, energy storage systems (ESS), as well as the K-Chief integrated automation system.
The vessels are currently under construction at China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Weihai Jinling. Upon completion, they will serve key route connections between Italy, Greece, and other Mediterranean destinations, combining passenger comfort with cargo transport capacity.
On April 8, 2025, Grimaldi Group and China Merchants Weihai Shipyard signed a contract for the construction of this batch of new vessels. The order also includes three “Hansa Superstar” class ro-pax vessels, which will be operated by Finnlines.
The six ro-pax vessels contracted by Kongsberg Maritime are all of the “Next Generation Med” class. They will serve Mediterranean routes and become the first ro-pax vessels in the Mediterranean region to use methanol as fuel. Four of the vessels will fly the Italian flag and operate under the Grimaldi Lines brand, while the remaining two will fly the Greek flag and be operated by the Greek subsidiary Minoan Lines.
Kongsberg Maritime representatives stated: “This latest contract will further strengthen our long-standing partnership with the Grimaldi Group, while reflecting the growing importance of integrated energy systems in supporting the green transition. Our technology will help optimize energy usage and reduce emissions for the Grimaldi Group’s new vessels during their Mediterranean operations, setting a benchmark for sustainable ferry operations in the region.”