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.