Italy-based shipping company Grimaldi Group has taken delivery of Grande Michigan, a 9,000-CEU pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) built with ammonia-ready notation as part of its ongoing fleet modernisation.
The vessel was delivered on February 12 by China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu and represents the eighth ammonia-ready PCTC in the company’s series of next-generation automotive carriers. It is expected to begin its maiden voyage shortly on the Asia–Europe service.
Grimaldi said the newbuild is designed to achieve around 50% lower fuel consumption compared with earlier vessels in its car carrier fleet, supported by a combination of efficiency technologies and hybrid power systems. The ship has been prepared for future conversion to operate on ammonia once the fuel becomes commercially viable at scale.
Grande Michigan is equipped with a 5 MWh battery system to enable zero-emission operations during port stays, alongside shore power connectivity. Other onboard energy-saving features include roughly 2,500 m² of solar panels, an air lubrication system, optimised hull lines and a gate rudder aimed at improving propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability.
The vessel has been classed by RINA and built to meet high environmental and comfort standards, according to the company. Named after Michigan in the US, the ship reflects the region’s historical links to the automotive industry and will support vehicle transport flows between Asia and Europe.
