Grimaldi ammonia-ready car carrier ordering spree continues

The options bring the number of ammonia-ready car carriers ordered by Grimaldi to 15 in under three months, including 10 at CMHI and five at CSSC Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding. The order at CSSC Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding was made earlier this month and carries options for two further vessels.

The vessel concept-the result of a collaboration between Grimaldi and Knud E Hansen naval design-has a 9,000 ceu capacity and is designed to carry fossil fuel and electric vehicles. Italian class society RINA granted the design ammonia-ready notation.

Along with their future ammonia capabilities, the vessels will be equipped with lithium batteries, solar panels, shore connection capabilities, air lubrication systems, and optimised hull and propulsion systems. Fuel consumption is expected to be 50% lower than current generation PCTCs.

“With our recent orders for the construction of new PCTC vessels, we’ve strengthened our long lasting and fruitful collaboration with China Merchant Industry Holdings,” said Grimaldi Group Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi. “We’ve also reaffirmed our commitment to our customers, especially the world's leading car manufacturers who continue to reward us with their trust.

"In this way, we’ll continue to live up to their high expectations and meet their evolving needs, with our offer of increasingly efficient and environmentally sustainable shipping services. Ten out of fifteen of our newly ordered car carriers will be deployed on the Far East trade and support the increasing development of China’s automotive industry.”
Grimaldi said the CMHI vessels will be deployed on routes between Europe, North Africa, and Asia on delivery between 2025 and 2027.

Related:Grimaldi orders five ammonia-ready car carriers from SWS

Grimaldi fleet renewal programme totals around $2.5bn and stands at 25 vessels due for delivery over the next five years, 15 of which are ammonia-ready PCTCs. Grimaldi has a global fleet of 130 ships.