The future of the blue economy also lies on the seas, and the Grimaldi Group confirms its role as a pioneer in sustainable maritime logistics. With the delivery of the new Grande Auckland, built by SWS and CSTC shipyards in Shanghai, the Naples-based group adds to its fleet one of the most advanced Pure Car & Truck Carriers (PCTC) worldwide, designed to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of maritime transport and to be ready for the fuels of the future.
The Grande Auckland measures 200 meters in length, 38 meters in beam, and has a gross tonnage of 77,500 tons. With a record capacity of 9,241 CEU (Car Equivalent Unit), it is capable of transporting cars, SUVs, vans, industrial vehicles, and heavy rolling cargo up to 250 tons. This flexibility ensures maximum optimization of each voyage, lowering emissions per unit of transported cargo.
At the heart of the vessel is the MAN B&W 7S60 ME-C10.6-HPSCR engine, compliant with TIER II–III standards. Combined with cutting-edge design and advanced systems, it allows for up to 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions per transported unit compared to the previous generation of PCTCs. This represents a tangible step towards the decarbonization of maritime transport, one of the key priorities of the global blue economy.
A distinctive feature is the “Ammonia Ready” class notation awarded by RINA, certifying that the vessel can be converted in the future to operate on carbon-free ammonia. Furthermore, its cold ironing capability — allowing the ship to be powered by onshore electricity while docked — supports the development of greener and smarter ports worldwide.
The vessel’s name, Grande Auckland, pays tribute to the New Zealand city, which has been regularly served by Grimaldi ships since 2023. The ship will be deployed on the Asia–Europe route, inaugurating her activity with 4,900 vehicles and 3,300 linear meters of rolling cargo, calling at Morocco (Agadir, Tanger Med), Spain (Vigo), Belgium (Antwerp), and the UK (Southampton), before continuing to Asia via La Réunion, Yokohama, Toyohashi, and Masan.
By 2027, the Grimaldi Group will take delivery of another 14 Ammonia Ready PCTCs, strengthening a long-term strategy that combines growth, innovation, and environmental responsibility. The Grande Auckland thus becomes a symbol of how maritime transport can evolve into a pillar of the blue economy, balancing global trade flows with the urgent need for ecological transition.
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