On 8 April 2025, Grimaldi announced it had signed a deal with the Chinese shipyard China Merchants Jinling Shipyard for the construction of nine ro-pax ships, worth a total of 1.5 billion US dollars. Six of these vessels will operate in the Mediterranean under the Grimaldi Lines (four ships flying the Italian flag) and Minoan Lines brands (two ships flying the Greek flag), while the remaining three will sail in the Baltic under Finnlines with the Finnish flag. All vessels will be methanol-ready, positioning the group at the forefront of efforts to achieve global net-zero emissions targets.
Sustainability lies at the heart of the project. The new ships will incorporate cutting-edge technology to reduce CO₂ emissions per unit of cargo by 50% compared to the vessels currently deployed on the same routes. Key innovations include optimised hulls and propellers, energy management systems efficient both at sea and in port, shore power capability, and antifouling silicone coatings for the hull.
The six Next Generation Med units, designated for the Mediterranean, will be 229 metres long, with a cargo capacity of 3,300 linear metres for industrial vehicles and over 300 cars. They will accommodate up to 2,500 passengers. The interior layout will feature over 300 cabins, around 700 reclining seats and a wide range of onboard amenities, including three bars, a shopping area, a conference room, two self-service restaurants, a panoramic à la carte restaurant, a lounge area with sun deck and swimming pools, and even a nightclub on the upper deck. Interior design will vary between the Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines ships, reflecting the preferences of their respective target markets.
The three vessels assigned to the Baltic Sea, part of the Hansa Superstar series, will be 240 metres long and offer 5,100 linear metres of cargo space for vehicles and 90 cars, with 320 cabins accommodating up to 1,100 passengers. Designed for longer crossings such as the Finland-Germany route, they will introduce new types of cabins and dining options focused on comfort and enhancing the onboard experience. Facilities will include five bars and restaurants, a spa with a Finnish sauna, shops, children’s play areas, and a panoramic bow bar. The new vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030.
This order further strengthens the longstanding partnership between the Grimaldi Group and China Merchants Group. “Grimaldi and China Merchants Industry Group have always believed in innovation and quality, positioning themselves as leaders in the field of green and smart ro-pax vessels,” said Miao Jianmin, chairman of China Merchants Group. “These ships set a new benchmark for sustainable maritime transport, and we aim to continue our cooperation in strategic sectors such as zero-emission fuels and smart navigation.”
Emanuele Grimaldi, CEO of the Naples-based group, commented, “With this exceptional order we reinforce a winning alliance and meet the demands of modern maritime transport: quality, efficiency and sustainability. The use of methanol and the environmental performance of the new units confirm our leadership role in short sea shipping in the Mediterranean and the Baltic.”
