The Grimaldi Group strengthens its maritime connections between Italy and Turkey

Starting from 14 September, the company will deploy two ro-ro vessels on the new regular service between Trieste and Ambarli (Istanbul), with two weekly departures from each port.

Naples, 2 September 2024: The extensive network of motorways of the sea offered by the Grimaldi Group in the Mediterranean is expanding with a new service dedicated to the transport of rolling cargo between Italy and Turkey: starting from 14 September, a new direct connection between Trieste and Ambarli, just a few kilometres from Istanbul, will be available, with two weekly departures from each port.

The new service will be operated by Eco Mediterranea and Eco Malta, the most environmentally friendly ro-ro vessels in the world. These hybrid ships, part of the innovative “GG5G” class, can effectively halve CO2 emissions per unit of transported cargo compared to the previous generation of ro-ro ships. In addition, emissions are cut to zero during port operations: when they are at berth, Eco Mediterranea and Eco Malta use the electricity stored in mega lithium batteries which are recharged during navigation thanks to shaft generators and 350 m2 of solar panels installed on board, thus reaching the “Zero Emission in Port®” target.

In about 50 years of presence in Turkey, the Grimaldi Group has consistently expanded and enhanced its services dedicated to the country, connecting its main ports to the rest of the world through its extensive global network.

Today, with the new direct Trieste-Ambarli connection, the Grimaldi Group is responding to the growing demand for high-quality maritime transport services between Italy and Turkey from its clients, notably some of the world’s leading manufacturers of automobiles and industrial vehicles, such as BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, DAF, Scania, Stellantis, Kia, and Hyundai.

In fact, the new direct line between Italy and Turkey represents a regular and reliable transport solution between two strategically located ports: Trieste serves as a natural gateway not only for Northeastern Italy but for all Central Europe, while Ambarli provides a privileged access point to the Istanbul area and the entire economic district of Turkey. Additionally, by combining the new service with other maritime connections within the vast Grimaldi network, Turkish companies can export their products to Spain, Greece, Malta, Tunisia, Morocco, and Northern European countries on the Baltic Sea.

Our group is a pioneer in the motorways of the sea and reaffirms its position as the leading player in this market, with systematic and significant investments in the quality and quantity of services offered to our customers,” commented Grimaldi Group Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi. “In particular, with our new Trieste-Ambarli regular ro-ro service, we will strengthen the connections between Italy — and, more broadly, Central Europe — and Turkey, supporting the growing trade relations between operators in these regions. To do this best, we will deploy the Eco Mediterranea and Eco Malta: these ships have extraordinary features that have revolutionized short-sea shipping. We are proud to enhance our offering for the transport of rolling cargo in the Mediterranean with a new service that will stand out for its efficiency and sustainability, in true Grimaldi style.”