Grimaldi takes delivery of the ‘Grande Michigan’
Last week, the Grimaldi Group took delivery of its new vessel ‘Grande Michigan’. Commissioned from China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu, she is the eighth ammonia-ready PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) in the fleet of the Italian shipping group, meaning she is designed for future conversion to ammonia as a carbon-free alternative fuel.
Like her sister vessels Grande Shanghai and Grande Svezia, already in service since 2025, the new unit stands out for her high cargo capacity and reduced environmental impact, achieved through innovative design and numerous advanced technological solutions installed on board.
With length of 220 metres and beam of 38 metres, the ‘Grande Michigan’ has a gross tonnage of 93,145 tonnes and a cruising speed of 18 knots. Across her 14 decks, she can transport both electric vehicles and those powered by fossil fuels, with a maximum capacity of 9,000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units).
The vessel’s name pays tribute to the State of Michigan, the historic heart of the U.S. automotive industry, which hosts headquarters and production facilities of major American car manufacturers that have long collaborated with the Grimaldi Group.
From an environmental standpoint, the ‘Grande Michigan’ has obtained the Ammonia Ready notation by the Italian Shipping Register (RINA), certifying that she can be converted to operate on ammonia as a zero carbon-emission alternative fuel. However, this is not the only green technology installed on board this highly innovative vessel, which is capable of reducing fuel consumption by 50% compared with earlier-generation car carriers.
Built to the highest sustainability and comfort standards, the Grande Michigan has been awarded Green Plus, Green Star 3, Comfort Vibration and Comfort Noise Port class notations.
The vessel is equipped with mega lithium batteries with a total capacity of 5 MWh and cold ironing capability, allowing her to draw electricity directly from shore where facilities are available. Both systems allow her to achieve zero emissions while in port.
She incorporates the most advanced energy-efficiency technologies, including 2,500 square metres of solar panels, silicon-based hull coatings to reduce resistance, and smart systems for optimising ventilation and air conditioning. Her electronically controlled engine features an exhaust gas cleaning system to reduce sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, and selective catalytic reduction to limit nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions below TIER III levels.
Additional innovations to minimise environmental impact include an Air Lubrication System, an optimised hull design, and an innovative gate rudder – installed for the first time on PCTC vessels – consisting of two foil-shaped blades positioned on either side of the propeller, enhances both propulsion efficiency and manoeuvrability.
“We are increasingly proud of our fleet, which continues to expand, shaped by innovation and environmental sustainability – qualities that distinguish the Grande Michigan and all the new vessels we have commissioned in recent years,” said Grimaldi Group Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi. “Through our investments, we are making our services ever more efficient, supporting the sustainable transition of maritime transport and the growth of the global automotive industry.”
The 'Grande Michigan' is already set for her maiden voyage on the Asia–Europe service: in the coming days she will depart from Taicang (China) carrying over 7,000 cars and vans, as well as more than 100 additional rolling units (heavy vehicles, mafi trailers and project cargo), bound for key ports in the Mediterranean.