On 24 September 2025 the Grimaldi Group welcomed in Naples the Grande Svezia, the second of a series of ten new PCTC vessels under construction at China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu. Measuring 220 metres in length and 38 metres in beam, with a gross tonnage of 91,611 and a service speed of 18 knots, the ship can carry up to 9,000 ceu across fourteen decks. Following the sister vessel Grande Shanghai, which entered service in August, the Grande Svezia is the fourth ammonia-ready unit in the group’s fleet, designed for future conversion to ammonia as a zero-emission fuel.
The ship incorporates multiple solutions to reduce environmental impact. During port calls it can eliminate emissions through a 5 MWh lithium battery system and the option to connect to shore power via cold ironing. It is also fitted with 2,500 square metres of solar panels, silicone hull coatings to reduce drag, and smart systems for ventilation and climate control.
The electronically controlled main engine is equipped with next-generation exhaust gas treatment filters to cut sulphur oxides and particulates, while a selective catalytic reduction system keeps nitrogen oxide emissions within IMO Tier III limits. Other features include an Air Lubrication System, optimised hull design, and a “gate rudder” system with side-mounted rudder blades that enhances both efficiency and manoeuvrability.
According to Grimaldi, compared with previous generations of car carriers, the Grande Svezia achieves fuel savings of up to 50%. The vessel has already received several class notations, including Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration and Comfort Noise Port, certifying both its environmental performance and onboard comfort standards.
The name reflects the group’s longstanding presence in Sweden, where it has been active for over thirty years and operates the country’s only private port in Wallhamn. The new vessel will be deployed on the East Asia–Persian Gulf route, regarded as a key corridor for the automotive sector and heavy industry. On her maiden voyage, she will load 3,100 vehicles and 5,800 lane metres of rolling cargo – including buses, trucks, excavators and trailers – from the Chinese ports of Taicang and Lianyungang to Gulf markets.
