EUR 1 billion for ammonia
Ammonia is the Grimaldi Group’s the next big project in its strategy to upgrade its own fleet. The shipping company has ordered the construction of five new PCTCs (pure car truck carriers) with the shipyard China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu. The agreement foresees an option for five additional units, for a total investment of approximately EUR 1 billion.
With a loading capacity of over 9,000 ceu, the newbuilds have been designed to transport electric vehicles (EV). They also received the Ammonia Ready class notation from Rina, which certifies that the ships have been designed to be converted at a later date to use ammonia as marine fuel.
Moreover, the vessels will be equipped with mega lithium batteries, as well as solar panels and shore connection, which will allow them to ensure zero emissions in ports.
Further technical innovations of these ships are the air lubrication system, an innovative propulsion and optimised hull design for reducing the carbon footprint.
The five vessels are expected to be delivered from 2025 till the end of 2026. They will be deployed on voyages between Europe, North Africa, and the Near and Far East. (sh)