With the delivery of the ‘Great Cotonou’ from the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan, South Korea, all six of the Grimaldi G5-class ro-ro multipurpose vessels are now fully operational in the company’s fleet.
With length of 250m, beam of 38m and 45,684 dwt capacity, the design of the Great Cotonou and her sister vessels was the result of a careful study of the needs of the group and its customers. An innovative and customised internal configuration, allows these ships to transport 4,700 linear metres of rolling freight, 2,500 CEU (Car Equivalent Units) and 2,000 TEU of containers. This is the same capacity for rolling freight as the previous G4 class, but double the container capacity.
In addition to loading capacity, the Great Cotonou features technological solutions aimed at increasing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The result is a significant reduction in CO2 emissions per tonne transported of up to 43% less compared to other Grimaldi ro-ro multipurpose vessels. The ability to use shore power where available offers a green alternative to the consumption of fossil fuels during port stays.
In January 2025, the Great Cotonou will inaugurate a new Grimaldi Group route connecting China to Lagos (Nigeria). The ship will operate alongside a sister vessel, providing a service with an initial monthly frequency. This new maritime link will allow the shipment of various types of rolling cargo (such as cars, vans, trucks, construction and agricultural machinery) and of containers from China with trans-shipment at the Grimaldi-owned PTML terminal in Lagos for delivery to the main ports in West Africa and Brazil.
Grimaldi Group President Gian Luca Grimaldi said: “Today, we introduce two major innovations: the Great Cotonou, the sixth and final technological gem of the G5 class, and the new regular service that will enable the transport of rolling cargo and containers between China, West Africa, and Brazil. We are proud to offer our customers an increasingly extensive network of services that stand out for their high transport capacity and environmental sustainability, thanks to our increasingly young and cutting-edge fleet.”
Image: ‘Great Cotonou’, final delivery in Grimaldi’s G5 class ro-ro ships (credit: Grimaldi Group)
