The third ro-ro multipurpose unit belonging to the G5 class has been delivered to the Grimaldi Group from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan.
Named Great Tema, the new vessel, like all six units belonging to the same series, will further improve the quality of Grimaldi’s maritime transport services between Northern Europe and West Africa.
With length of 250m, beam of 38m and 45,684 dwt, the design of the Great Tema is said to be the result of a careful study of the needs of the group and its customers: thanks to its customised internal configuration, the G5-class ships are able to transport 4,700 linear metres of rolling freight, 2,500 CEU (Car Equivalent Units) and 2,000 TEU containers. Compared to the previous G4-class, the new vessels have the same capacity for rolling freight while their container capacity is double.
In addition to loading capacity, the Great Tema features technological solutions aimed at increasing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Both the main engine and the auxiliary diesel generators will meet IMO Tier III NOx levels, while the integrated propulsion system between rudder and propeller is designed to minimise vortex losses and, consequently, optimise propulsive efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.
The vessel is designed for connection to shoreside electricity supply where available, as a green alternative to the consumption of fossil fuels during port stays. Furthermore, the electrical consumption of on-board machinery (pumps, fans, etc) is reduced thanks to the installation of variable frequency drive devices. The application of low friction paints reduces hull resistance, thus increasing efficiency. The ship is equipped with hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems for the abatement of sulphur and particulate emissions.
The Great Tema enables a reduction of CO2 emissions per tonne transported of up to 43% compared to other Grimaldi con-ro multipurpose ships.
President of Grimaldi Group, Gian Luca Grimaldi, said: “The entry into the fleet and the operation of ships like the Great Tema brings us ever closer to the major, primary goal of sustainable transport. Indeed, for years we have clearly and concretely pointed our investments in this direction: to meet our customers’ needs while further reducing the environmental impact of maritime transport”.
From February 2024, the Great Tema will operate regularly on the Northern Europe-West Africa route. Like her sister ships Great Antwerp and Great Lagos, which were delivered to the Group in April and August 2023 respectively, she will serve the ports of Amsterdam, Hamburg, Tilbury, Casablanca, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Freetown, Cotonou, Lagos, Tema, Takoradi, Abidjan and San Pedro.
