Grimaldi, 1.3 billion order for nine ships in China
All new units, built for rolling stock and passenger transport, are equipped with engines that can run on methanol
2' min read
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In an agreement worth a total of USD 1.3 billion, signed yesterday in Hong Kong, the Grimaldi group has commissioned the construction of nine new ro-pax (rolling stock and passenger) ships from China merchants Jinling shipyard (Weihai), part of China merchants group. The new vessels are designed for maritime connections in the Mediterranean and Baltic Sea and are all equipped with engines that can run on methanol.
Four of the new ships will fly the Italian flag and be operated under the Grimaldi lines brand, while two, under the Greek flag, will be operated by the Greek sister company Minoan lines. These six sister ships, named Next Generation Med, will be deployed in the Mediterranean. The remaining three units will be taken over by Finnlines and will fly the Finnish flag; they will inaugurate the Hansa Superstar class (evolution of the Superstar series) and will be destined for routes in the Baltic Sea.
Delivered between 2028 and 2030
All nine vessels will be delivered between 2028 and 2030 and will be characterised, the company explains, by green technological innovations: "The combination of optimised water lines and propellers, systems for electrical load efficiency both at sea and while in port, the provision to receive electricity from shore and the application of silicone paint on the hull will guarantee a reduction of over 50% of CO2 per transported cargo, compared to vessels currently operating on the routes they are intended for.
The new 229-metre-long ro-pax ships for the Mediterranean will have a transport capacity of 3,300 linear metres for rolling stock and over 300 cars. They will be able to accommodate up to 2,500 passengers, for whom there will be over 300 cabins (for a total of over 1,200 guests) and around 700 reclining seats.
Green performance
.The three units destined for the Baltic Sea, on the other hand, will be 240 metres long, will have a cargo capacity of 5,100 linear metres of rolling stock, plus 90 cars, and will be able to accommodate up to 1,100 passengers in 320 cabins. The new concept, they clarify at Grimaldi, "is based on that of Finnlines' Superstar class ships, Finnsirius and Finncanopus, but has been adapted to the needs of the route between Finland and Germany. In particular, the new ships have been carefully modified to better meet the needs generated by longer crossings'.
