The Grimaldi Group has officially taken delivery of its new car and Ro-Ro carrier Grande Melbourne from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS). The vessel’s naming and handover ceremony took place on October 22 in the Port of Shanghai.
Sailing under the Italian flag, Grande Melbourne measures 200 meters in length, 38 meters in beam, and has a gross tonnage of 77,500. The ship offers a cargo capacity of 9,241 CEU, enabling the efficient transport of cars, SUVs, vans, and other rolling units. It can operate using both conventional fuel and electric propulsion.
The vessel features a modern electronically-controlled engine that delivers significantly lower fuel consumption and emissions compared to typical ships of its class. It is also RINA-certified as ammonia-ready and equipped with shore-power connectivity to reduce emissions while berthed.
Designed for high-efficiency vehicle logistics, Grande Melbourne will commence service on the Grimaldi Group’s Asia–Europe route, transporting around 5,900 vehicles and 800 linear meters of rolling cargo to Northern Europe. Before departure, the vessel will complete cargo operations in the Chinese ports of Taicang and Xiamen, as well as Laem Chabang in Thailand.
