The Grimaldi Group has announced a significant expansion of its fleet with the commissioning of nine state-of-the-art ro-pax vessels. This order, valued at $1.5 billion, marks a milestone in maritime transport, focusing on environmental sustainability and advanced passenger comfort features. The contract was signed with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai), a subsidiary of China Merchants Group , in Hong Kong.
The new vessels are designed to serve routes in the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea, equipped with engines capable of running on methanol, aligning with the global "Net Zero Emission" initiatives. Six of these ships belong to the "Next Generation Med" class, with four operated by Grimaldi Lines and two by the Greek subsidiary, Minoan Lines. The remaining three will be part of the "Hansa Superstar" class, managed by Finnlines, in the Baltic Sea.
These vessels will boast groundbreaking innovations, including optimized hull designs and energy-efficient systems, aiming to reduce CO₂ emissions per transported cargo unit by over 50% compared to current ships. The Mediterranean ships will accommodate 3,300 lane metres of freight, over 300 cars, and up to 2,500 passengers, while the Baltic Sea vessels will carry 5,100 lane metres, accommodating up to 1,100 passengers.
Passenger amenities on the new vessels will feature a wide array of comforts such as bars, restaurants, lounges, and unique recreational areas, with design tailored to market-specific needs. These enhancements demonstrate Grimaldi Group's commitment to not only reducing environmental impact but also elevating the passenger experience on its new fleet.
Miao Jianmin, President of China Merchants Group , expressed commitment to innovation and quality in ship technology, aiming for high-quality project delivery and sustainable shipping solutions. This sentiment was echoed by Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Grimaldi Group, who underscored the importance of efficiency and sustainability, marking a step forward toward net-zero emissions and solidifying the group’s leading position in regional maritime transport.