Steel cut for the Grande Shanghai
In another
step forward in the Grimaldi Group’s newbuilding program, the construction of
the Grande Shanghai – the first of ten ammonia-ready car carriers –
officially started with a steel-cutting ceremony held at the China Merchants
Heavy Industries (CMHI) Shipyard in Haimen (China) on 14 March.
During the
event, the main features that place these sister ships at the cutting edge of naval
design were presented to an audience composed, among others, of representatives
from the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the Italian Trade
Agency, RINA (Italian Shipping Register), and of – course – CMHI and the
Grimaldi Group.
The concept for
the new buildings was developed by the Italian shipping company in
collaboration with the Knud E. Hansen naval design and architecture studio.
With loading capacity of over 9,000 CEU (Car
Equivalent Units), they are designed to transport electric vehicles
(cars, SUVs, vans, etc.) as well as those powered by fossil fuels. They have received
the Ammonia Ready class notation from RINA, which certifies that they are
designed for future conversion for the use of ammonia as marine fuel.
These vessels
will be equipped with mega lithium batteries, solar panels and shore connection
capability (cold ironing), which – where available – constitutes a green
alternative to the consumption of fossil fuels during port stays. Other
state-of-the-art technologies will be installed on board with the aim of
reducing the carbon footprint – these include an air lubrication system,
innovative propulsion and optimized hull design. Overall, the new ships will be
able to cut fuel consumption by 50% compared to the previous generation of car
carrier vessels.
The Grande
Shanghai and her sister ships are part of a major $2.5 billion newbuilding
program, involving the delivery of 25 ultra-modern vessels in the period
2023-2027. Once the car carriers have been delivered – this is scheduled
between 2025 and 2027 – all ten will be deployed between Europe, North Africa,
and the Near and Far East to meet the demand of the global vehicle market.