Grimaldi Takes Delivery of First Ammonia-Ready PCTC from CMHI Jiangsu

Grimaldi Group has taken delivery of Grande Shanghai, the first in a series of ten pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) commissioned from China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) Jiangsu. The vessel was delivered on 27 August.

The first five ships in the series will have a capacity of 9,000 CEU, while the remaining five will be able to carry up to 9,800 CEU. The design was developed by Grimaldi in cooperation with naval architecture firm Knud E. Hansen. Measuring 220 meters in length and 38 meters in width, Grande Shanghai has a gross tonnage of 91,611 tons and a service speed of 18 knots. Its 14 decks are equipped to carry both battery electric vehicles and those powered by conventional fuels.

The vessel has been awarded the Ammonia Ready notation from RINA, confirming that it can be converted to run on ammonia. It has also obtained Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration, and Comfort Noise Port notations.

Energy systems on board include 5 MWh of lithium batteries and the ability to connect to shore power during port stays at equipped terminals. Further technologies include 2,500 square meters of solar panels, silicon-based hull coatings, and smart systems for ventilation and air conditioning.

The electronically controlled main engine is fitted with an exhaust gas cleaning system to cut sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, while selective catalytic reduction ensures nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions remain below TIER III levels. Additional features include an air lubrication system, optimized hull form, and a gate rudder with two foil blades positioned on either side of the propeller, which Grimaldi states will enhance propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability.

Grande Shanghai will begin service on the East Asia to East Africa route, which the company launched in June. Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the group, commented: “The Grimaldi Group confirms its active and strong commitment to the ecological transition of shipping. Two and a half years ago, when we signed the order for these ten extraordinary new units, we decisively chose to invest in a carbon-free future by focusing on alternative fuels such as ammonia. An investment we continue to strongly support, as we believe that to maintain leadership in our sector, it is necessary to offer the best sea transport services with the lowest possible environmental impact. With cutting-edge ships like the Grande Shanghai, we will continue to support the global automotive industry with quality, efficiency, and sustainability.”