On July in Haimen (Jiangsu, China), the naming ceremony of the Grande Shanghai was held — marking the launch of the first of ten next-generation PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) vessels commissioned by the Grimaldi Group from China Merchants Heavy Industries. The first five vessels will be capable of transporting 9,000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units), while the remaining five will offer an increased capacity of 9,800 CEU.
Among the participants were Sichuan Wu, Chairman of China Merchants Industry, and Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Automotive Intercontinental Director of the Italian shipping group. The event was also graced by the presence of the Consul General of Italy in Shanghai, Tiziana D’Angelo, who served as the godmother of the vessel, symbolically named after China’s economic capital.
The Grande Shanghai stands out as a true technological gem, combining high cargo capacity and environmental sustainability. Compared to the previous car carrier generation, she reduces fuel consumption per cargo unit transported by 50%.
The ship’s design is the result of close collaboration between the Grimaldi Group and the naval architecture firm Knud E. Hansen. She measures 220 meters in length and 38 meters in beam, has a gross tonnage of 93,145 tonnes, and a cruise speed of 18 knots. Across her 14 decks, she can accommodate both electric vehicles and those powered by traditional fuels.
The Grande Shanghai is also the first vessel in the Grimaldi fleet to obtain the Ammonia Ready class notation from the Italian Shipping Registry (RINA), which certifies that she may be converted for the use of ammonia as an alternative, zero-carbon fuel: a key step toward energy transition and efficient, carbon-free maritime transport.
Built to the highest environmental standards, the Grande Shanghai has also obtained additional class notations, including Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration, and Comfort Noise Port.
The vessel integrates numerous green technologies: mega lithium batteries with a total power of 5 MWh, 2,500 square meters of solar panels, and cold ironing with shoreside supply of electricity where available.
Her advanced energy optimization systems also feature silicon-based hull coatings to reduce drag, smart ventilation and air conditioning controls, an electronically controlled engine with an exhaust gas cleaning system to reduce sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, and selective catalytic reduction to limit nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions below TIER III levels.
Additional innovations further minimizing her environmental impact include an Air Lubrication System, optimized hull design, and an innovative gate rudder installed for the first time on a PCTC vessel. This rudder, featuring two foil blades positioned on either side of the propeller, improves propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability.
Thanks to her remarkable features, the Grande Shanghai is poised to navigate a bold new course toward a future of global maritime transport that is more sustainable, innovative, and efficient.
