The Grimaldi Group has welcomed the Grande Egitto, a new car carrier designed to transport vehicles and trucks, to its fleet. Built by China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu, the vessel measures 220m in length and 38m in width, with a gross tonnage of 95,534 tons and a speed of 18 knots. The ship's 15 decks provide a capacity of 9,800 car equivalent units (CEU).
The Grande Egitto is the 14th unit in the Grimaldi Group's fleet of pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). The vessel is designed to be ammonia-ready, with a classification from RINA, and features several eco-friendly technologies. These include solar panels covering 2,500 square meters, intelligent power management systems, and a gate rudder that enhances propulsion efficiency and maneuverability.
The new vessel is equipped with lithium batteries with a total capacity of 5 MWh and can connect to shore power sources, reducing emissions while in port. The ship's main engine is electronically controlled and features exhaust gas treatment systems that reduce sulfur oxide, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxide emissions. The Grande Egitto's design and technology enable it to reduce fuel consumption by 50% compared to previous-generation car carriers.
The Grande Egitto's name reflects the strategic importance of Egypt to the Grimaldi Group's global and regional maritime network. The Naples-based company has a long-standing presence in Egypt, with regular services to the port of Alexandria as part of its Euro-Med network. The vessel will operate on the Asia-East Africa route, connecting Eastern markets with major trading hubs in East Africa.
On its maiden voyage, the Grande Egitto will transport 4,150 cars and 6,200 linear meters of rolling cargo from Asian ports in Taicang, Yokohama, and Nagoya to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Mombasa in Kenya. The vessel's operations will support the growing demand for transportation services in the region, while minimizing environmental impact.
Emmanuel Grimaldi, CEO of the Grimaldi Group, said the addition of the Grande Egitto to the fleet represents a significant step in the company's expansion and modernization plans. He emphasized that the new vessel combines commercial efficiency with environmental responsibility, reflecting the company's commitment to sustainable operations.
The Grande Egitto's deployment on the Asia-East Africa route is expected to enhance the Grimaldi Group's services in the region, providing customers with regular and flexible connections while reducing environmental footprint. The vessel's advanced design and technology set a new standard for eco-friendly car carriers, supporting the company's goal of minimizing its environmental impact.
Key points
- The Grande Egitto has a capacity of 9,800 CEU and features ammonia-ready design and eco-friendly technologies.
- The vessel is equipped with lithium batteries and can connect to shore power sources, reducing emissions while in port.
- The Grande Egitto will operate on the Asia-East Africa route, supporting growing demand for transportation services in the region.
