From 2028, the two newly built vessels in the Minoan Lines fleet will be integrated into the Heraklion–Piraeus–Heraklion route, offering modern services and sustainable technologies with methanol fuel.
In a significant step towards modernization and sustainable development, the CEO of Minoan Lines, Loukas Sigalas, (in the photo with Emanuele Grimaldi) announced that the two under-construction newbuild Ro-Pax vessels will join the company’s fleet from 2028. The ships are being built in a Chinese shipyard, as part of a broader shipbuilding program by the Grimaldi Group involving nine vessels of this type in total.
They belong to the new generation of “Next Generation Med” ships. They will use methanol fuel and will set new standards for comfort and services.
“The new ships will replace the current ones on the Heraklion–Piraeus–Heraklion route, enhancing our fleet with technologies that meet modern environmental and passenger needs,” emphasized Mr. Sigalas.
The agreement for the nine Ro-Pax vessels, worth 1.3 billion dollars, was signed in Hong Kong with the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai). Of these, two will fly the Greek flag and will be managed by Minoan Lines, while four will join the Grimaldi Lines fleet under the Italian flag.
The new ships, 229 meters in length, will feature:
-capacity to transport 3,200 linear meters of truck cargo and over 300 passenger vehicles,
-capacity for up to 2,500 passengers,
-more than 300 cabins and 700 reclining seats,
-advanced recreation areas: self-service and à la carte restaurants, rooftop discobar, shops, swimming pools, and lounges with sea views.
The interior design will be specifically tailored to the needs of the Greek market, aiming for aesthetic upgrade and improvement of the travel experience.
The new “Next Generation Med” series fleet brings to the Eastern Mediterranean the first generation of Ro-Pax ships designed for methanol fuel, with lower CO₂ emissions and environmental footprint.
Furthermore, the ships will feature:
-pre-installation for shore power connection,
-anti-fouling silicone paint,
-state-of-the-art energy management systems.
The delivery of the ships is expected to be completed in the period 2028–2030, marking a new era in maritime passenger transport with Greece’s strong presence at the center of developments.
newmoney.gr
