On 8 August 2025 the Grande Tianjin was christened and handed over to Grimaldi, built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, with its operational debut scheduled for 19 August on a maiden voyage of strong symbolic value, transporting the one millionth electric car produced by the Chinese brand Leapmotor for the European market. Afterwards the vessel will continue operating on routes between China and Europe.
Measuring 199 metres in length and 38 metres in beam, the Grande Tianjin has a cargo capacity of 9,000 CEU. With a gross tonnage of 78,450 tonnes and a deadweight of 20,500 tonnes, it can simultaneously carry electric vehicles, conventionally fuelled cars and heavy rolling cargo of up to 250 tonnes. It is powered by a main MAN engine meeting Tier II/III specifications, allowing for a design speed of 19 knots while balancing performance with emissions reduction. The vessel has been awarded the Ammonia Ready certification by RINA, confirming its readiness for future conversion to run on ammonia as a zero carbon fuel. The Grande Tianjin has also been designed for the transport of electric vehicles, requiring specific fire prevention and suppression measures.
The design incorporates advanced solutions for energy efficiency, including a twisted rudder, hub fins and consumption-reducing systems that enable significant fuel savings, while a medium-voltage shore power connection eliminates emissions during port stays. The hull form further allows a reduction of up to 50 per cent in CO2 emissions per unit of cargo carried compared with the previous generation of vessels. Construction was completed in just 179 days, a record for this type of ship. Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding achieved this milestone through advanced digital technologies and integrated management systems, which improved production processes while maintaining high quality standards.
The Grande Tianjin is part of a broad fleet expansion programme by Grimaldi, involving the construction of 17 Ammonia Ready car carriers at Chinese shipyards, representing a total investment of more than 1.6 billion US dollars. The orders involve Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, China Shipbuilding Trading Company and China Merchants Heavy Industry, with the aim of strengthening links between Europe, North Africa, the Near East and the Far East. The opening of Grimaldi’s Shanghai branch in September 2023 enhanced the group’s presence in China, consolidating industrial and commercial relations with the local market.
