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Grimaldi Takes Delivery of Grande Michigan
Eighth ammonia ready PCTC joins expanding fleet
The Grimaldi Group has taken delivery of the Grande Michigan, a 9,000 CEU Pure Car and Truck Carrier built by China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu, marking the eighth ammonia ready vessel in the Italian operator’s deep sea car carrier fleet.
Delivered in Naples on 12 February 2026, the newbuild is designed for future conversion to ammonia fuel, positioning the vessel for compliance with tightening emissions regulations and alternative fuel adoption across the automotive logistics sector.
The vessel follows sister ships Grande Shanghai and Grande Svezia, both delivered in 2025, continuing a series focused on higher cargo intake and lower environmental impact.
Capacity and trade deployment
At 220 metres in length and 38 metres in beam, Grande Michigan has a gross tonnage of 93,145 tonnes and a service speed of 18 knots. Her 14 decks allow for the transport of electric vehicles alongside conventionally powered cars and trucks, with total intake reaching 9,000 Car Equivalent Units.
The ship is scheduled to enter the Asia–Europe service immediately, departing Taicang in the coming days with more than 7,000 cars and vans plus over 100 additional rolling units. These include heavy vehicles, mafi trailers, and project cargo bound for Mediterranean ports.
For project and breakbulk forwarders, that additional rolling capacity is often the difference between waiting for multipurpose tonnage or moving cargo on liner schedules. In tight markets, flexibility matters.
Alternative fuel pathway and emissions design
The vessel has secured Ammonia Ready notation from RINA, confirming structural and system provisions for future fuel conversion. While ammonia bunkering infrastructure remains limited, owners are increasingly building optionality into new tonnage rather than retrofitting later at higher cost.
Beyond fuel readiness, the ship incorporates multiple emissions reduction technologies delivering up to 50 percent lower fuel consumption than earlier generation car carriers.
Installed systems include:
- 5 MWh mega lithium battery capacity
- Shore power connectivity for zero emissions in port
- 2,500 square metres of solar panels
- Air Lubrication System
- Silicon based hull coatings
- Optimised hull form
The electronically controlled main engine is fitted with exhaust gas cleaning systems for sulphur oxides and particulate matter, alongside selective catalytic reduction to cut nitrogen oxides below Tier III thresholds.
Efficiency and manoeuvrability upgrades
One of the more notable design additions is the gate rudder system. Installed for the first time on a PCTC, the twin foil configuration improves propulsion efficiency while enhancing manoeuvrability, particularly useful during port approaches and congested terminal operations.
Comfort class notations covering vibration and port noise have also been assigned, alongside Green Plus and Green Star 3 environmental certifications.
Speaking at delivery, Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi said the fleet expansion reflects continued investment in efficiency and sustainability while supporting global automotive supply chains.
The vessel’s name references Michigan, long considered the historic centre of the United States automotive industry and home to manufacturers that maintain commercial ties with the carrier.
