Deltamarin has signed a design and engineering contract with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) for six new ro-pax vessels ordered by the Grimaldi Group.
The agreement includes basic and detail design for the ‘Next Generation Med’ class vessels, which will be deployed across key Mediterranean routes under the Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines brands.
Of the six vessels, four will sail under the Italian flag and be operated under the Grimaldi Lines brand, while two will be registered under the Greek flag and operated by Grimaldi’s subsidiary Minoan Lines. All six ships are set to elevate maritime transport in the Mediterranean through a unique combination of high freight and passenger capacity, next-generation environmental performance, and enhanced onboard experience.
Each 229m vessel will feature 3,300 lane metres for rolling freight, space for over 300 passenger vehicles, and capacity for up to 2,500 passengers. Accommodation includes more than 300 cabins.
The vessels will be powered by engines capable of running on methanol—making them the first ships in the Mediterranean designed specifically for this alternative fuel. Additional green technologies include shore power readiness, silicon-based hull coatings, optimised hull and propeller designs, and advanced onboard power management systems. These features will collectively reduce CO₂ emissions per cargo unit by more than 50% compared to the current vessels operating on similar routes.
The vessel deliveries are scheduled between 2028 and 2030.
Image: Deltamarin has been contracted to design the next-generation Grimaldi Group ro-pax vessels (source: Deltamarin)
