TRIESTE – The Grimaldi Group has signed an agreement in Hong Kong with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard for the construction of nine next-generation Ro-Pax vessels.
The total value of the order is USD 1.3 billion, and the ships will be delivered between 2028 and 2030. The new vessels are designed to meet the demands of modern maritime transport, combining high freight capacity, passenger comfort, and advanced environmental performance. They will be methanol-ready, thus contributing to the Group’s decarbonization strategy. According to estimates, CO₂ emissions per transported unit will be reduced by over 50% compared to the ships currently in operation. Six vessels will be deployed in the Mediterranean: four for Grimaldi Lines under the Italian flag and two for Minoan Lines under the Greek flag.
The remaining three, ordered by Finnlines, will operate in the Baltic Sea under the Finnish flag. The Mediterranean vessels, 229 meters long, will carry up to 3,300 lane meters of rolling cargo, 300 cars, and 2,500 passengers, offering onboard services comparable to those of a modern cruise ship. The Baltic units, part of the “Hansa Superstar” class, will feature greater cargo capacity and facilities tailored for longer routes and harsher weather conditions. CEO Emanuele Grimaldi emphasized that this investment strengthens the Group’s long-standing cooperation with Chinese shipyards and confirms its leadership in sustainable maritime transport in Europe. This initiative is part of the Group’s strategy to offer high-quality, efficient, and low-impact shipping connections.
