Finnish fuel supply and systems company Auramarine has been selected to supply the methanol fuel supply systems for six new ro‑pax vessels ordered by the Grimaldi Group from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai).
The vessels will operate in the Mediterranean under the Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines brands and will be equipped with engines capable of running on methanol to support the Grimaldi Group’s net‑zero ambitions.
Auramarine will deliver methanol fuel supply systems for all six vessels. Each delivery covers the entire methanol fuel supply system including control and emergency shutdown (ESD) automation. The systems are designed to support safe operation in hazardous areas, incorporating inerting and drainage concepts and meeting class and regulatory requirements for methanol as a marine fuel.
In addition to methanol fuel supply systems, Auramarine will deliver main and auxiliary engine conventional fuel supply units to enable these dual-fuelled vessels to operate reliably using HFO, MGO and biofuels. Dual-fuel engines will be fitted to offer fuel flexibility, helping operators switch between fuels and optimise costs as markets and fuel availability change. Dual‑fuel capability supports compliance with tightening emission regulations, preserving chartering appeal and long‑term asset value as the energy transition accelerates.
The six ro‑pax vessels will sail under Italian and Greek flags. All ships are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030 and will feature a range of green technologies, including optimised hull and propeller designs, energy‑efficient power management systems, shore power readiness and silicon‑based hull coatings, together reducing CO₂ emissions per transported cargo unit by more than 50% compared to current tonnage on the same routes.
This new order is believed to strengthen Auramarine’s cooperation with the Grimaldi Group and to build on the company’s previously announced contract to deliver methanol, biofuel and HFO fuel supply systems for three Finnlines Hansa Superstar ro‑pax vessels operating on the Finland–Germany route.
John Bergman, CEO, Auramarine, said: “Auramarine is proud to support the Grimaldi Group’s ambitious decarbonisation roadmap with proven methanol fuel supply expertise. These new vessels highlight how alternative fuels like methanol, supported by advanced fuel supply systems and other green technologies, can deliver substantial emissions reductions in the Mediterranean. By enabling the safe and efficient use of methanol across Grimaldi’s next generation ro‑pax fleet, Auramarine confirms its position as a trusted partner for shipowners advancing the adoption of alternative marine fuels.”
Image: Grimaldi’s dual-fuel ro-pax design (source: Auramarine)
