Batteries key for Grimaldi’s methanol-hybrid-electric ropax newbuilds

Battery technology has been selected for Grimaldi Group’s nine methanol hybrid-electric ropax vessels under construction in China. Ordered in 2025 from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) for US$1.5Bn, the newbuilds will be delivered in 2028-2030.

AYK Energy will supply its 2,073-kWh OrionAN batteries for the nine ropax vessels. Six of newbuilds will be deployed in the Mediterranean Sea, four under the Grimaldi Lines brand and two under the Minoan Lines flag, and the remaining three will be operated by Finnlines in the Baltic Sea.

AYK Energy founder Chris Kruger said the Grimaldi Group order highlights the growing demand for its battery solutions and demonstrates how the technology “is evolving and becoming more powerful, more advanced, and more competitive”.

DNV awarded type approval to the lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries last year. AYK Energy has secured several groundbreaking orders for its energy storage systems, including the world’s first battery-powered self-unloader for CSL.

Besides batteries, all nine ships will have optimised hull and propeller designs, energy-efficient onboard power management systems (both at sea and in port), shore power readiness and the application of silicon-based hull coatings. These features will reduce CO2 emissions per transported cargo unit by more than 50% compared to vessels currently operating on the same routes, according to the privately held Italian shipowner.

Because of differences in route lengths and passenger preferences, the ships for the Mediterranean will not be sister vessels to those built for the Baltic. Finnish naval architectural firm Deltamarin designed the new Next Generation Med-class ropax vessels with a length of 229 m, with a cargo capacity of 3,300 lane metres for rolling freight and over 300 cars. They can accommodate up to 2,500 passengers, offering more than 300 cabins (for a total of over 1,200 guests) and approximately 700 reclining seats.

Passengers will have access to numerous onboard amenities, including three bars, a shopping area, a conference hall, two self-service restaurants, a panoramic à la carte restaurant, an indoor/outdoor lounge with an impressive sun deck featuring two pools, and a rooftop disco bar. The interior design will be carefully curated, with separate customised furnishings for Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines vessels, each specifically catering to the tastes and specific needs of their respective target markets. These will be the first ships in the Mediterranean designed to operate on methanol.

Finland’s Auramarine is supplying the methanol fuel supply systems, including the control and emergency shutdown automation systems for the nine ropax vessels for Grimaldi.

As for the three newbuilds for the Baltic Sea, they will be 240 metres long, with a cargo capacity of 5,100 lane metres for rolling freight plus 90 cars, and accommodation in 320 cabins for up to 1,100 passengers. Called the Hansa Superstar-class, the new design is based on Finnlines’ Superstar-class vessels, Finnsirius and Finncanopus, but has been adapted for the Finland-Germany route. The new ships will be better suited for longer crossings, feature new cabin categories and provide restaurant options tailored to different passenger preferences, with a strong focus on comfort and onboard experience.

Facilities include five bars and restaurants, a spa with a wide range of services and treatments, including the iconic Finnish sauna, shops, and two children’s play areas.