The Grimaldi Group expands its ammonia-ready fleet with the Grande Svezia
9,000-CEU
new vessel to operate on East Asia–Persian Gulf route
Naples, 24 September 2025 – The Grimaldi Group has
today welcomed the Grande Svezia into its fleet, the second in
a series of ten next-generation PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) vessels
under construction at China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu.
Measuring 220 meters in length and 38 meters in width, with a
gross tonnage of 91,611 tons and a service speed of 18 knots, the Grande
Svezia can carry up to 9,000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units) across
14 decks. Like her sister ship Grande Shanghai, delivered less
than a month ago, the vessel is designed to transport both electric and combustion
engine vehicles.
The Grande Svezia is equipped with an array of
advanced green technologies. It is the fourth “Ammonia Ready” ship in the
Group’s fleet, designed for future conversion to ammonia as a carbon-free
alternative fuel. During port calls, the vessel can achieve zero emissions
thanks to its 5 MWh lithium battery system and cold ironing
capability, allowing it to draw electricity directly from shore where facilities
are available.
Other energy-efficiency features include 2,500 square meters
of solar panels, silicone-based hull coatings to reduce drag, and smart systems
for ventilation and climate control. Its electronically controlled main engine
is fitted with state-of-the-art exhaust gas treatment systems to cut sulfur oxides
(SOx) and particulate matter (PM), while a selective catalytic reduction system
keeps nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions within IMO Tier III limits.
Additional innovations to minimize environmental impact
include an Air Lubrication System, an optimized hull design, and an innovative
“gate rudder” – installed for the first time on PCTC vessels – consisting of two
foil-shaped blades positioned on either side of the propeller, enhances both
propulsion efficiency and maneuverability.
Built to the highest sustainability and comfort standards,
the Grande Svezia has been awarded Green Plus, Green Star 3,
Comfort Vibration, and Comfort Noise Port class notations. Compared with
earlier-generation car carriers, the Grande Svezia delivers up
to 50% lower fuel consumption.
The ship is named after Sweden, a country that the Grimaldi
Group has been serving regularly for over three decades and where it operates
the nation’s only private port, located in Wallhamn.
“With the arrival of the Grande Svezia, we further consolidate
our role as a leader in sustainable maritime transport,” said Emanuele
Grimaldi, Managing Director of Grimaldi Group. “This investment reflects
our commitment to supporting the global automotive industry with vessels that
are ever more advanced, efficient, and with a reduced environmental footprint.”