Grimaldi Group, based in Italy, has taken delivery of Grande Tianjin – the first of seven PCTC vessels commissioned by Grimaldi from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) and China Shipbuilding Trading Company (CSTC), both of which are part of China State Building Corporation (CSSC).
The ammonia-ready 9,241 ceu vessel will be deployed to enhance vehicle transport services on the East Asia – Northern Europe route. As part of a deepening strategic partnership between Grimaldi and motor vehicle manufacturing firm Leapmotor International, Grande Tianjin’s inaugural trip will see it transport 1,000 of the Leapmotor’s new electric SUVs, along with other vehicles.
Measuring 200 m x 38 m and with a gross tonnage of approximately 77,500 tonnes, Grande Tianjin can transport both electric vehicles and those powered by traditional fuels, as well as any other type of rolling cargo. The ship’s four decks are also capable of carrying other rolling cargo, including heavy loads of up to 250 tonnes and as high as 6.5 m.
According to Grimaldi, the Grande Tianjin reduces the CO2 emissions index per transported cargo by up to 50 percent. RINA (Italian Naval Register) has awarded the vessel with an ‘Ammonia Ready’ class notation, while it can be equipped for shore power supply during berthing.
“In recent years, we have made significant investments to strengthen our shipping connections with China and the broader Asian area,” said Grimaldi Group managing director, Emanuele Grimaldi. The company believes that this fleet investment will allow it to expand its coverage in key global markets, improve operational efficiency, and better meet the evolving logistics needs of its customers.
After Grande Shanghai, Grande Tianjin is the second of 17 ammonia-ready PCTC vessels ordered by Grimaldi from Chinese shipyards – with the remaining ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2027.
