Kongsberg Maritime has signed a repeat order from client Grimaldi Group to supply engineering and technology for two new 7800 lane metre ro-ro vessels, which will be built at China Merchant Jinling Shipyard, scheduled for delivery in 2025.
Kongsberg Maritime will supply marine automation system and Auto Chief 600 propulsion control systems, hybrid systems, converters, battery energy storage of 5MWh, battery management system, manoeuvring and propulsion systems. The contract has a value of NOK 220m.
The vessels will join Grimaldi Group’s fleet of low emission, hybrid ro-ro vessels known as the Grimaldi Green 5th Generation (GG5G) class. Twelve GG5G vessels have been completed, with the latest, Eco Italia, delivered in October 2022. The two new vessels will operate in hybrid mode and on a fully battery electric system when in port. The GG5G vessels reduce CO2 emissions by half per unit transported on shorter routes.
Kongsberg Maritime President Lisa Edvardsen Haugan said: “Continuation of these vessels represents the future of commercial maritime vessels, incorporating practical hybrid technology that allows major cuts in carbon emissions. We have been developing integrated solutions for hybrid propulsion for years, reducing Capex costs for ship owners and Opex for operators, while ensuring high performance standards in battery-electric operation.”
At 238m in length, with a beam of 34m and tonnage of 64,000gt, the GG5Gs are among the largest ro-ro vessels in the world for short route operation.
Grimaldi Group MD Emanuele Grimaldi said: “With their outstanding operational and environmental performance, our ‘Eco’ ships are revolutionising short sea shipping in Europe. We will continue to invest in this green revolution.”
