The Grimaldi Group has taken delivery of its new vessel ‘Grande Michigan’ from China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu, the eighth ammonia-ready PCTC (pure car and truck carrier) in its fleet.
Like sister vessels Grande Shanghai and Grande Svezia, already in service since 2025, the new unit is designed for future conversion to ammonia as a carbon-free alternative fuel, and offers high cargo capacity and reduced environmental impact, achieved through innovative design and advanced technological solutions. With length of 220m and beam of 38m, the Grande Michigan has a gross tonnage of 93,145gt and a cruising speed of 18 knots. Across the 14 decks, she can transport both electric vehicles and those powered by fossil fuels, with a maximum capacity of 9,000 CEU (car equivalent units).
The vessel’s name pays tribute to the state of Michigan, the historic heart of the US automotive industry, which hosts headquarters and production facilities of major American vehicle manufacturers that have long collaborated with the Grimaldi Group. From an environmental standpoint, the Grande Michigan has obtained the Ammonia Ready notation by the Italian Shipping Register (RINA), certifying that she can be converted to operate on ammonia as a zero carbon-emission alternative fuel. However, this is not the only green technology installed on board this innovative vessel, which is capable of reducing fuel consumption by 50% compared with earlier-generation car carriers. Built to high sustainability and comfort standards, the Grande Michigan has been awarded Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration and Comfort Noise Port class notations.
The vessel is equipped with lithium batteries with a total capacity of 5MWh and cold ironing capability, allowing her to draw electricity directly from shore where facilities are available. Both systems allow her to achieve zero emissions while in port. She incorporates advanced energy-efficiency technologies, including 2,500m2 of solar panels, silicon-based hull coatings to reduce resistance, and smart systems for optimising ventilation and air conditioning. Her electronically controlled engine features an exhaust gas cleaning system to reduce SOx and particulate matter emissions, and selective catalytic reduction to limit NOx emissions below Tier III levels.
Additional innovations to minimise environmental impact include an air lubrication system, an optimised hull design, and an innovative gate rudder – installed for the first time on PCTC vessels – consisting of two foil-shaped blades positioned on either side of the propeller, to enhance both propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability.
Grimaldi Group MD Emanuele Grimaldi said: “We are increasingly proud of our fleet, which continues to expand, shaped by innovation and environmental sustainability – qualities that distinguish the Grande Michigan and all the new vessels we have commissioned in recent years. Through our investments, we are making our services ever more efficient, supporting the sustainable transition of maritime transport and the growth of the global automotive industry.”
The Grande Michigan maiden voyage will be undertaken on the Asia–Europe service, departing from Taicang (China) carrying over 7,000 cars and vans, as well as more than 100 additional rolling units (heavy vehicles, mafi trailers and project cargo), bound for key ports in the Mediterranean.
Image: ‘Grande Michigan’ (source: Grimaldi Group)
