Grimaldi Group Takes Delivery of Ammonia-Ready Car Carrier Grande Melbourne

The Grimaldi Group has added another ammonia-ready pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) to its fleet with the delivery of Grande Melbourne, the third in a series of seven vessels built by subsidiaries of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). The ship was officially named and delivered at the Port of Shanghai on October 22.

The Grande Melbourne will soon depart on its maiden voyage as part of Grimaldi’s Asia–Europe service.

Technical Specifications and Emission Reductions

The vessel measures 200 meters in length and 38 meters in beam, with a capacity of 9,241 car equivalent units (CEU). It is designed to carry a variety of rolling cargo, including electric and conventionally powered vehicles.

Equipped with an advanced electronic engine, the Grande Melbourne meets the latest international standards for CO₂, NOₓ, and SOₓ emissions. According to Grimaldi, the ship’s design enables a reduction of up to 50% in CO₂ emissions per transported unit compared to older PCTC models.

The ship has been awarded the “Ammonia Ready” notation by the Italian classification society RINA, confirming its ability to be converted to ammonia propulsion in the future. It is also fitted with shore power (cold ironing) capabilities, allowing the vessel to connect to onshore electrical grids where available, further reducing emissions during port stays.

Strengthening Sustainable Vehicle Transport

“Our new-generation PCTCs are setting a new standard in the global transport of vehicles across key global routes, especially those connecting Asia to the rest of the world,” said Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Grimaldi Group.

“Once again, we thank SWS for the excellent job made in the construction of the Grande Melbourne and her sister vessels. We are also deeply grateful to our long-standing customers like Scania, who keep appreciating our commitment to delivering increasingly efficient transport services worldwide,” Grimaldi added.

Expanding a Greener Fleet

The Grande Melbourne represents part of Grimaldi’s broader fleet modernization strategy focused on lower-carbon and alternative-fuel-ready vessels. With the “Ammonia Ready” certification, the company continues its preparation for the future adoption of alternative fuels as the shipping sector advances toward decarbonization targets.