Grimaldi confirms 'pioneering' US$1.3Bn order for nine ropax ships

The nine vessels are slated for delivery between 2028 and 2030. Four of the ships will sail under the Italian flag, operated by the Grimaldi Lines brand. Two will operate under the Greek flag and be deployed by Grimaldi’s Greek subsidiary, Minoan Lines. These six vessels will form the Next Generation Med-class, designed to serve Mediterranean routes.

The remaining three vessels will be delivered to Finnlines, flying the Finnish flag. These will mark the debut of the Hansa Superstar-class, an evolution of the existing Superstar series, and are destined for Baltic Sea routes.

Vessel specifications

According to official statements, all nine vessels will feature engines capable of running on methanol, in addition to energy-efficient onboard power management systems and shore power readiness. Grimaldi Group emphasised these vessels will be the first in the Mediterranean designed to operate on methanol.

Grimaldi’s new ships are expected to reduce CO2 emissions per transported cargo unit by more than 50% compared with existing vessels operating on similar routes.

The new Mediterranean ropax vessels will be 229 m long, with a cargo capacity of 3,300 lane metres for rolling freight and space for over 300 cars. They will accommodate up to 2,500 passengers, offering more than 300 cabins and approximately 700 reclining seats.

For the Baltic Sea routes, the three Finnlines vessels will be 240 m long, with a cargo capacity of 5,100 lane metres for rolling freight and space for 90 cars. These ships will provide accommodation in 320 cabins for up to 1,100 passengers. While based on the Finnlines’ Superstar-class vessels, these ships have been specifically adapted for the Finland-Germany route.

A new benchmark

"The Next Generation Med and Hansa Superstar classes are the result of a thorough study of our customers’ needs and, more broadly, those of shipping," said Grimaldi Group managing director Emaunele Grimaldi. He also emphasised the vessels’ role in reducing CO2 emissions and their use of methanol as an alternative fuel, bringing the Group closer to achieving the “global goal of net-zero emissions”.

China Merchants Industry chairman Wu Sichuan stated both companies are working together to achieve breakthroughs in green ship technology and intelligent shipping, while defining a new benchmark for ropax vessels. He mentioned the shipbuilding group will assemble a top-tier R&D team, implement a lean manufacturing system, and provide a full lifecycle service system to ensure the high-quality delivery of the project.