Grimaldi named Ship Operator of the Year at the Heavy Lift Awards

The Grimaldi Group has been named Ship Operator of the Year at the Heavy Lift Awards 2026, an international event celebrating excellence in project logistics, breakbulk cargo and the transport of oversized loads. The awards ceremony took place on 21 October at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel, bringing together leading players from across the global industry.

The judging panel highlighted the Group’s ability to handle a wide range of heavy and oversized goods, supported by a versatile fleet and a network of maritime services spanning five continents. Specific recognition was also given to Grimaldi’s role as a global operator in the ro-ro and multipurpose segments, as well as its established expertise in project cargo and breakbulk transportation.

Key factors behind the award include the scale and versatility of the Group’s fleet, comprising over 130 vessels across several segments (ro-ro, car carriers, con-ro/multipurpose and ro-pax), the extensive reach of its network, and its ability to deliver integrated logistics solutions for complex industrial projects. The panel also praised Grimaldi’s operating model, which enables cargo traditionally carried by conventional breakbulk vessels to be transported on scheduled ro-ro services, providing freight forwarders with an efficient, reliable and sustainable alternative.

The judges also commended the Group’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of maritime transport. They noted the investments Grimaldi has made in recent years to modernize the fleet and introduce lower-emission technologies as part of a long-term strategy to deliver increasingly sustainable services for future generations.

Being named Ship Operator of the Year underscores the Grimaldi Group’s strategy of making its services increasingly efficient, sustainable and flexible, while creating greater opportunities for its customers. This approach continues to redefine industry standards and support the growth of international trade.