The naming and delivery ceremony of the 11th ammonia-ready PCTC (pure car and truck carrier) for the Grimaldi Group, the ‘Grande Inghilterra’ has taken place at China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu.
Like her sister vessels already in service – Grande Shanghai, Grande Svezia and Grande Michigan – the new unit stands out for the high cargo capacity and reduced environmental impact, achieved through innovative design and advanced technological solutions. Across 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). Thanks to the green technologies adopted on board – including solar panels, mega lithium batteries, and cold ironing readiness – the Grande Inghilterra can reduce fuel consumption by 50% compared to previous-generation car carrier vessels.
The ship’s name pays tribute to England, where the Grimaldi Group has been active for around 70 years. Today, this presence is reflected not only in regular maritime services – operated under the Grimaldi Lines, Finnlines, and Atlantic Container Line brands – linking major English ports with those on five continents, but also in an established network of local offices and agencies.
Grimaldi Group MD Emanuele Grimaldi said: “Investing in the construction of cutting-edge vessels like the Grande Inghilterra means making a concrete contribution to the energy transition of maritime transport, while also meeting our customers’ needs with increasingly high-quality services. This is how we intend to continue supporting global logistics chains: by constantly raising our standards in terms of efficiency and sustainability.”
The Grande Inghilterra’s maiden voyage, carrying 6,500 cars and 800 linear metres of other rolling cargo, will start at Taicang (China) bound for Suape (Brazil) and Antwerp (Belgium).
With length of 220m, beam of 38m, the 93,145gt Grande Inghilterra has a cruising speed of 18 knots. The Ammonia Ready notation issued by RINA certifies that she can be converted to operate on ammonia as a zero-carbon alternative fuel. Built to high sustainability and comfort standards, the Grande Inghilterra has been awarded Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration and Comfort Noise Port class notations.
The vessel is equipped with mega 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. The electronically controlled engine features an exhaust gas cleaning system to reduce SOx and particulate emissions, and SCR 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 consisting of two foil-shaped blades positioned on either side of the propeller, enhancing both propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability.
Image: ‘Grande Inghilterra’ (source: Grimaldi Group)
