Tag

Tag: Grimaldi group | Ferry Shipping News

Oct 24
3

Grimaldi Group and China Merchants Shenzhen RoRo Shipping Sign Cooperation Agreement

By | 2025 Newsletter week 43 | No Comments

The Grimaldi Group and China Merchants Shenzhen RoRo Shipping have signed a Cooperation Framework Agreement aimed at expanding capacity and strengthening service networks to support Chinese exports.

The new partnership leverages the complementary strengths of both companies, focusing on operational synergies, network integration, and enhanced logistics efficiency.

Customers will benefit from increased loading capacity, optimised resources, and a broader, more efficient service network across China and the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Both companies reaffirmed their commitment to innovation, reliability, and sustainable growth in global maritime transport and logistics.

Apr 11
3

Grimaldi Group Orders Nine Groundbreaking RoPax Ships

By | 2025 Newsletter week 15 | No Comments

On April 8, Grimaldi Group has commissioned the construction of 9 RoPax vessels from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai).

  • Total price of the order: $1.3 billion.
  • To be delivered between 2028 and 2030.
  • All nine will be equipped with engines capable of running on methanol, making them ready to achieve the “Net Zero Emission” goal.
  • Ground-breaking, green technology innovations. Optimized 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 will reduce CO₂ emissions per transported cargo unit by more than 50% compared to vessels currently operating on the same routes.

“Next Generation Med” class

  • 4 ferries for Grimaldi Lines, Italian flag
  • 2 ferries for Minoan Lines, Greek flag
  • LOA 229m |3,300 lane metres and 300+ cars | 2,500 passengers | 300 cabins for a total of over 1,200 guests | 700 reclining seats
  • Passengers will have access to numerous onboard amenities: 3 bars, a shopping area, a conference hall, 2 self-service restaurants, a panoramic à la carte restaurant, an indoor/outdoor lounge with a sun deck featuring two pools, a rooftop disco bar

“Hansa Superstar” class (evolution of the “Superstar” series)

  • 3 for Finnlines, Finnish flag
  • LOA 240m |5,100 lane metres + 90 cars |Up to 1,100 passengers in 320 cabins
  • Based on Finnlines’ Superstar-class vessels, but adapted for the long Finland–Germany route.
  • Onboard facilities include: 5 bars and restaurants, a spa with a wide range of services, including a Finnish sauna, shops, 2 age-specific children’s play areas.
  • Standout feature: main bar located at the bow on deck 12, offering panoramic views of the Baltic Sea.
Mar 21
3

Grimaldi Group Takes Delivery of ECO NAPOLI, Completing GG5G Fleet

By | 2025 Newsletter week 12 | No Comments

The Grimaldi Group has officially taken delivery of ECO NAPOLI, the final ship in its Grimaldi Green 5th Generation (GG5G) class. This marks the completion of a 14-ship hybrid ro-ro fleet, the largest and most eco-friendly of its kind.

Key Features of ECO NAPOLI:

Size & Capacity

  • 238 metres long, 34 metres wide, 67,311 GT
  • Can carry 7,800 lane metres of rolling cargo (~500 trailers & 180 cars)

Fuel Efficiency & Sustainability

  • Same fuel consumption as previous-generation roro ships, for double cargo capacity
  • Hybrid engines with an exhaust gas cleaning system
  • Zero emissions in port, using 5 MWh lithium batteries charged via shaft generators and solar panels

Deployment

  • Expected to arrive in the Mediterranean in May
  • Will operate on the Gemlik – Ambarli – Patras – Trieste route

“With ECO NAPOLI, our GG5G fleet is now complete, revolutionising short-sea shipping in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe,” said Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Group.

Mar 02
3

Grimaldi Group Expands Its Maritime Network to India

By | 2025 Newsletter week 09 | No Comments

The Grimaldi Group is further strengthening its global presence by extending its maritime network to India. Starting this month, the company will introduce a regular service with two monthly departures from Europe to the Indian subcontinent, reinforcing its footprint in the Asian market.

The new route includes strategic port calls in Northern Europe and the Iberian Peninsula, following this itinerary: Southampton – Antwerp – Bremerhaven – Setubal/Vigo – Mumbai. After reaching India, the vessels will continue their journey to the Far East, calling at ports in Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and China. Additionally, a monthly connection will be established between India and major ports in the Persian Gulf, including Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

Source: Grimaldi Group

Sep 20
2

Grimaldi Group completes the acquisition of a majority stake in Port of Heraklion

By | 2024 Newsletter week 38 | No Comments

On 18 September 2024, the Grimaldi Group finalised its acquisition of a 67% stake in the Heraklion Port Authority (HPA S.A.), solidifying its presence in the strategic port located in Crete. This acquisition, worth €80 million, was completed in partnership with the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF), which retains a 33% share. 

 The acquisition marks a significant development for the port, providing a platform for further growth and enhancing its role in Mediterranean trade routes. Grimaldi Group’s investment will focus on upgrading the port’s infrastructure, fostering sustainable growth, and introducing renewable energy projects to transform Heraklion into a green port. 

 Grimaldi Euromed’s President, Emanuele Grimaldi, highlighted the port’s potential as a hub for both freight and passenger services, contributing to the local economy by increasing tourism, trade, and job opportunities.  

 This acquisition follows Grimaldi’s prior investment in the Port of Igoumenitsa, reinforcing the group’s commitment to enhancing Greece’s maritime infrastructure.

Sep 06
2

Grimaldi Group to open a new RoRo line between Italy and Turkey

By | 2024 Newsletter week 36 | No Comments

Starting from 14 September, Grimaldi Euromed will deploy two RoRo vessels on the new regular service between Trieste and Ambarli (just a few kilometres from Istanbul), with two weekly departures from each port. 

The new link will be operated by ECO MEDITERRANEA and ECO MALTA, both RoRo vessels of the innovative “GG5G” class. 

With the new direct Trieste-Ambarli connection, the Grimaldi Group “is responding to the growing demand for high-quality maritime transport services between Italy and Turkey from its clients, notably some of the world’s leading manufacturers of automobiles and industrial vehicles, such as BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, DAF, Scania, Stellantis, Kia, and Hyundai.” 

 Source: Grimaldi Group  

Jun 21
2

Interview with Dr. Emanuele Grimaldi, head of the Grimaldi Group and President of ICS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 25 | No Comments

Interview with Dr. Emanuele Grimaldi, head of the Grimaldi Group and President of ICS

In collaboration with Jan-Philip Eckmann we have the pleasure to share the article published in RoPax 12 (May 2023). Key points discussed include:

  1. Fleet Expansion and Innovation: Grimaldi has introduced 12 new RoRo Eco-class vessels, ordered 15 ammonia-ready Pure Car & Truck Carriers, and plans to use innovative technologies such as the “gate rudder” to reduce carbon intensity by 50%.
  2. 2022 Performance: 2022 was the best year in Grimaldi’s history, surpassing 2021, with notable performance from Grimaldi Lines, ACL, and Finnlines.
  3. Baltic Sea Operations: Finnlines reported strong results due to new Eco-class vessels, increased passenger numbers, and the introduction of a new Irish service.
  4. New Services and Competition: New services between Sweden and Poland have started, and new Super Star RoPax vessels have been introduced between Finland and Sweden, despite reduced cargo to Russia.
  5. Environmental Initiatives: Grimaldi focuses on sustainability, with plans for ammonia-ready propulsion systems, carbon capture technologies, and solar panels on new vessels. The group also proposes a tax and reward system to incentivize the use of green fuels.
  6. Market and Route Developments: Grimaldi’s new routes include Naples to Palermo and expanded services in the Balearic Islands. They see potential in Igoumenitsa for growth in cargo traffic from Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, and Turkey.
  7. Digitalization and AI: The company has optimized routes using digitalization, achieving 3% fuel savings, and plans further advancements in AI for operational efficiency.
  8. Future Fuel and Emission Strategies: Grimaldi explores various zero-carbon fuels and carbon capture techniques, aiming to comply with global emission targets by 2050. The company advocates for a global approach to carbon taxation led by the IMO.

The interview highlights Grimaldi’s commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and strategic growth in the shipping industry.

CLICK ON COVER TO READ

Read the interview here
Dec 22
0

Official signing of agreement for the sale of 67% of Heraklion Port Shares to Grimaldi Group

By | 2023 Newsletter week 51 | No Comments

On December 18, 2023, GRIMALDI EUROMED – MINOAN LINES officially signed the concession agreement with the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) for 67% of the Port of Heraklion’s shares. The Hellenic Parliament is expected to ratify the agreement in early January 2024, while the transfer of the shares is anticipated to occur at the end of January 2024 in Heraklion, Crete.

Grimaldi Euromed S.p.A. – Minoan Lines secured the international tender last June with a bid of EUR 80 million, and the total investment by the Italian consortium is projected to reach EUR 100 million.

This specific agreement focuses on the green transition of the Cretan port through the electrification from renewable energy sources and the installation of a system for electrifying docked ships (cold ironing), along with the modernization of infrastructure and mechanical equipment. Furthermore, it aims to develop the cruising sector and facilitate the offloading of electric vehicles from China.

Grimaldi Group news
Nov 03
0

The Agreement for the Sale of the 67% of the Igoumenitsa Port Authority Shares to Grimaldi Group was Officially Signed

By | 2023 Newsletter week 44 | No Comments

On October 20, 2023, Grimaldi EuroMed – Minoan Lines – EKEV (Investment Construction Commercial And Industrial S.A.) officially acquired the majority share of the Port of Igoumenitsa -during a ceremony in the port facilities- in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis, Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy Christos Stylianides and CEO of the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) Dimitris Politis.

The specific agreement aims to upgrade the port of Igoumenitsa as well as the better exploitation of its potentials as a major gateway to the Adriatic and the Mediterranean Sea.

The State will maintain the ownership of all the ports’ infrastructure, in which the State remains a strategic partner of the private investor, maintaining a 33% stake through HRADF.

As part of the agreement, the Greek State will also receive an annual concession fee equal to 3.5% of the revenues of the Port of Igoumenitsa S.A. Fee that will mainly be attributed to the Municipalities of Igoumenitsa and Filiates as a tangible financial benefit to the local community.

Jun 23
0

2022 was a record year for Grimaldi Group

By | 2023 Newsletter week 25 | No Comments

Grimaldi Group 2022 in figures:

  • +41% turnover : 4.8 billion (3.4 billion in 2021).
  • +78.8% EBITDA: 1.7 billion
  • +140.8% EBIT: 1.2 billion

These results are the result of “higher volumes of passengers and new cars transported, as well as containers and general cargo” and “are by far the best achieved by the Grimaldi Group in its long history and confirm exponential and continuous growth, with the exception of 2020, which was affected by the effects of Covid.”

At the end of last year the managed fleet consisted of about 140 vessels, of which 130 owned, with an average age of about 14 years.

Outlook: “The management has not recorded any reductions in activities and/or volumes transported in the first months of the year 2023.”

 Also mentioned in the annual report:

The 1995-built EUROFERRY OLYMPIA owned by Grimaldi Group which caught fire in February last year while sailing off the Greek island Ereikoussa is bound for scrap soon.

She is to be sold to Dido Steel Corporation S.A. and will be dismantled and recycled.