Italian banking group Intesa Sanpaolo, through its IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, has finalised a €162.3m financing deal for Grimaldi Euromed.
The financing will support the acquisition of three next-generation PCTC ships – Grande Egitto, Grande Pacifico, and Grande Oceania – scheduled for delivery in 2026.
These are three of a total of 17 new PCTCs ordered by the Grimaldi Group, for a total investment of over USD 1.6 billion. The vessels offer not only high transport capacity – 9,800 CEU (Car Equivalent Units) each – but also low environmental impact. Each ship is features:
- Ammonia Ready class notation, certifying the possibility of future conversion to ammonia as a zero-carbon fuel;
- Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration and Comfort Noise Port class notations;
- 5MWh lithium-ion mega batteries;
- 2,500 m² of solar panels;
- Cold ironing capability: shore-to-ship power supply system;
- Air lubrication system: hull lubrication via air bubbles to reduce drag;
- Gate rudder, an innovative twin-foil rudder installed for the first time on PCTC ships, enhancing propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability.
Francesca Diviccaro, Head of Retail and Luxury, Intesa Sanpaolo IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, said: “Grimaldi Euromed represents excellence in the sustainable modernisation of maritime transport. As IMI CIB, we continue to support its growth strategy. Intesa Sanpaolo has always been at the forefront of supporting businesses in their strategic investments, fostering innovation and energy transition.”
Diego Pacella, Grimaldi Group CEO, added: “The financing for the acquisition of Grande Egitto, Grande Pacifico and Grande Oceania supports our sustainable growth strategy, in which fleet modernisation is one of the key, high-impact pillars. This deal also strengthens our long-standing partnership with Intesa Sanpaolo, which continues to be one of our main banking partners.”
The financing, structured as a Green Loan, is part of Intesa Sanpaolo’s broader ESG strategy. In this context, the ongoing collaboration with the Grimaldi Group is underpinned by a shared vision for sustainable development. Since its founding, the Grimaldi Group has prioritised the adoption of a sustainable and socially responsible business model – a priority that has become increasingly central over the years, with the long-term goal of sailing and transporting goods and passengers with zero emissions. Between 2018 and 2025, the Group placed orders for 48 new ships worth around US$ 5bn, while investing in the green modernisation of its existing fleet, as well as in the development of its ports and terminals in Europe and Africa.
This agreement is said to demonstrate how cooperation between banking and industry can drive high-value investments, accelerating innovation and sustainability in the European maritime sector.
Image: Grimaldi green PCTC ‘Grande Shanghai’ (source: Intesa Sanpaolo)
