Grimaldi adds 9,800-CEU Grande Egitto for Asia–East Africa vehicle trade

Grimaldi Group took delivery of Grande Egitto, its 14th ammonia-ready pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), from China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu on September 21, 2026. The vessel will join the Italian group’s Asia–East Africa service, adding vehicle transport capacity while retaining provision for future conversion to ammonia fuel.

With a capacity of 9,800 car equivalent units (CEU), Grande Egitto shares the distinction of being Grimaldi’s largest PCTC with its sister vessel Grande Pacifico, which was delivered in August.

What are Grande Egitto’s main specifications?

The vessel measures 220 metres in length and 38 metres in breadth, with a gross tonnage of 95,534 and a service speed of 18 knots. Its 15 decks can accommodate electric vehicles, conventionally fuelled vehicles and vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).

Classification society RINA has awarded the vessel its Ammonia Ready notation, along with Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration and Comfort Noise Port notations.

Which ports will the maiden voyage connect?

The maiden voyage is scheduled to begin in the week following delivery. Grande Egitto will load 4,150 cars and 6,200 linear metres of rolling cargo, including excavators, buses and trucks, at Taicang in China and Yokohama and Nagoya in Japan.

The cargo is destined for Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Mombasa in Kenya. The deployment will connect Asian vehicle and equipment export gateways with two major East African ports.

Grimaldi Group Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi described the delivery as another step in expanding and modernising the company’s vehicle transport fleet.

How does the vessel reduce fuel consumption?

Grimaldi says the vessel’s efficiency measures can reduce fuel consumption by 50% compared with previous-generation car carriers.

Its equipment includes a five-megawatt-hour lithium battery system, shore-power capability and 2,500 square metres of solar panels. Other features include intelligent energy management, silicone hull coatings, air lubrication, an optimised hull and a gate rudder.

According to the company, the batteries and shore-power connections can support zero-emission operation while berthed at suitably equipped ports.

What does ammonia-ready classification mean?

The Ammonia Ready notation confirms that the vessel has provisions for future conversion to ammonia propulsion. It does not mean Grande Egitto currently operates on ammonia.

RINA introduced its first rules for ammonia as a marine fuel in May 2021, alongside the Ammonia Ready notation. At the time, the classification society identified fuel availability, renewable production and worldwide distribution as issues requiring attention before widespread adoption.

The approach allows ship designs to anticipate a potential fuel transition while the supporting supply chain develops.

How does the delivery fit Grimaldi’s fleet programme?

Grande Pacifico, delivered on August 10, 2026, was the first of five 9,800-CEU sister vessels ordered from China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu.

The series develops the design of five earlier 9,000-CEU vessels from the same yard. An additional cargo deck increases capacity by approximately 9%, while retaining the 220-metre length and 38-metre breadth.

The programme also includes vessels from other Chinese yards. In March 2026, Grimaldi received Grande Seoul, its ninth ammonia-ready unit, built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding and China Shipbuilding Trading Company. The vessel has a capacity of 9,241 CEU and was assigned to the Asia–Europe service.

These deliveries form part of Grimaldi’s fleet renewal programme across different vessel designs and intercontinental vehicle trades.