Grimaldi Group Takes Delivery of Next-Gen Ammonia-Ready PCTC Grande Shanghai
Italy’s Grimaldi Group has officially taken delivery of its next-generation, ammonia-ready pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), the Grande Shanghai, built by China Merchants Heavy Industries (CMHI) Jiangsu.
First of Ten Ammonia-Ready Vessels
Delivered on August 27, the Grande Shanghai is the first of ten PCTCs commissioned from CMHI Jiangsu. The initial five vessels in the series will feature a 9,000 CEU capacity, while the remaining five will scale up to 9,800 CEU.
Designed by the Grimaldi Group in collaboration with naval architecture firm Knud E. Hansen, the vessel measures 220 meters in length and 38 meters in width, with a gross tonnage of 91,611 tons and a cruising speed of 18 knots. The 14-deck ship is capable of transporting both electric and fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
Ammonia-Ready and Environmentally Advanced
The Grande Shanghai has been awarded the Ammonia Ready notation by RINA, Italy’s naval classification society, confirming its future adaptability for zero-carbon ammonia fuel. Additional class notations include Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration, and Comfort Noise Port.
The vessel is fitted with 5 MWh of lithium battery capacity and supports cold ironing, allowing it to connect to shore power while docked at ports with compatible infrastructure.
Energy Efficiency and Emission Control Features
Key energy-saving and emission-reduction technologies include:
- 2,500 m² of solar panels
- Silicon-based hull coatings
- Smart ventilation and air conditioning systems
- Electronically controlled engine with exhaust gas cleaning system to reduce SOx and PM emissions
- Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to reduce NOx emissions below TIER III levels
Innovative Design for Reduced Environmental Impact
The Grande Shanghai also features:
- An air lubrication system
- Optimized hull design
- An innovative gate rudder, installed for the first time on a PCTC. This dual-foil rudder enhances propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability, according to Grimaldi.
Maiden Voyage and Strategic Commitment
The ship will commence operations on the East Asia – East Africa service launched by the Grimaldi Group in June.
“The Grimaldi Group confirms its strong commitment to the ecological transition of shipping,” said Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi.
“Two and a half years ago, we invested in a carbon-free future by focusing on alternative fuels such as ammonia. With cutting-edge ships like the Grande Shanghai, we will continue to support the global automotive industry with quality, efficiency, and sustainability.”
