Naples – A christening ceremony was held in China at Haimen (Jiangsu) for the “Grande Shanghai,” the new vessel of the Grimaldi Group, the first of ten next-generation PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) units commissioned by the Italian shipowner to China Merchants Heavy Industries. Of these, the first five units can transport 9,000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units), while the subsequent five will offer a higher capacity of up to 9,800 CEU.
Among those attending the event were Sichuan Wu, president of China Merchants Industry, and Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Automotive Intercontinental director of the Neapolitan shipping group. Also present at the ceremony was the Italian Consul General in Shanghai, Tiziana D’Angelo, serving as the ship’s godmother.
The Grande Shanghai is a true technological gem, capable of combining high load capacity with eco-sustainability, reducing fuel consumption per transported unit by 50% compared to car carriers of the previous generation.
Its design is the result of collaboration between the Grimaldi Group and naval architecture and design firm Knud E. Hansen. The vessel is 220 meters long and 38 meters wide, with a gross tonnage of 93,145 tons and a cruising speed of 18 knots. Across its 14 decks, it can transport both electric vehicles and those powered by traditional fuels.
The Grande Shanghai is also the first Grimaldi Group vessel to receive the Ammonia Ready notation from the Italian Naval Register (RINA), certifying that it can be converted to use ammonia as a zero-carbon alternative fuel: a significant new step toward energy transition and efficient, carbon-free maritime transport.
Designed to meet the highest standards, the ship has also received the Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration, and Comfort Noise Port class notations.
Numerous green technologies have been adopted onboard the Grande Shanghai. The vessel is equipped with mega lithium batteries with a total capacity of 5 MWh, 2,500 square meters of solar panels, and can receive shore power during port stops (cold ironing) in ports equipped with the necessary infrastructure.
Additionally, it utilizes all the best technologies for energy optimization: from silicone paints to reduce hull resistance to smart ventilation and air conditioning control systems. The electronically controlled engine is equipped with exhaust gas treatment systems to reduce sulfur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, as well as a selective catalytic reduction system for nitrogen oxides (NOx) below TIER III levels.
Technological innovations that further reduce its environmental impact include an Air Lubrication system, an optimized hull design, and an innovative rudder called a gate rudder, installed for the first time on PCTC vessels, consisting of two foil blades positioned on either side of the propeller to improve propulsion efficiency and maneuverability.
From left: Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Automotive Intercontinental director of the Grimaldi Group, and Sichuan Wu, president of China Merchants Industry.
