At the Grimaldi Group’s recent Euromed convention in Athens, the group revealed that it is investing in more newbuildings, which will reduce the average age of its ships – already 40% lower than that of the global ro-ro fleet – further still.
Seven new ships have been delivered in the last two years. Another 20 vessels are currently under construction, including 17 9,000 CEU PCTCs designed to carry both electric and conventional vehicles as well as other types of rolling cargo. All of the new PCTCs will be certified with ‘Ammonia Ready’ class notation by RINA (Italian Shipping Register) and can therefore be converted for the future use of ammonia as a zero-carbon emission fuel.
Meanwhile, orders are to be placed by the end of 2024 for nine new ro-pax ships for the transportation of goods and passengers in the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea. It is expected that six of these ships will be for Grimaldi’s operations in the Mediterranean, with four for Euromed and two for Minoan Lines. These will be delivered as ‘methanol ready’, with 3,300 lane metres, and capacity for 2,500 passengers. The remaining three will be for operation by Finnlines, with 5400 lane metres freight capacity and accommodation for 1000 passengers. These will be delivered reday for operation with biofuels and methanol. Deliveries are expected to commence in 2027.
Image: Euromed Convention (source: Grimaldi)
