Grimaldi welcomes ammonia-ready Grande Tianjin

The Grimaldi Group has added a new vessel to its fleet. The Grande Tianjin was delivered today in Shanghai during a ceremony with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) and Leapmotor International.

It is the first of seven Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) ordered from SWS and China Shipbuilding Trading Company. The ship is also the 600th built by the yard.

From mid-August, the Grande Tianjin will sail the East Asia–Northern Europe route. Her maiden voyage will carry 1,000 electric SUVs from Leapmotor.

Big Step in the Grimaldi, Leapmotor Partnership

Grimaldi has worked with Leapmotor since 2022. The shipping line moves around 22,500 car equivalent units (CEU) per month from Asia to Europe. Leapmotor sold and exported more than 270,000 vehicles in the first seven months of 2025.

Leapmotor Vice President Zhou Ying served as the vessel’s godmother. SWS President Chen Gang praised the teamwork behind the project. “The vessel’s performance fully meets the design specifications,” he said.

Leapmotor CEO Tianshu Xin highlighted the growth of China’s EV exports. “China’s EV innovation is sailing to the world,” he said. “Our reach now spans over 30 countries.”

Grimaldi Group Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi called the ship a step toward sustainable transport. “We have strengthened our shipping connections with China and Asia,” he said.

Designed for Capacity and Sustainability

At 200 meters long and 38 meters wide, the Grande Tianjin can carry 9,241 CEU, including electric and conventional vehicles as well as heavy rolling cargo up to 250 tons. She is powered by a MAN B&W electronic engine that meets the strictest international emission standards for CO₂, NOx, and SOx.

Her design maximizes capacity and reduces CO₂ emissions per unit of cargo by up to 50% compared to earlier PCTCs. The vessel also carries RINA’s “Ammonia Ready” notation, allowing for future conversion to run on zero-carbon fuel. She can connect to shore power during port calls to eliminate emissions while docked.

The Grande Tianjin is the first of 17 ammonia-ready PCTCs ordered by Grimaldi from Chinese shipyards. The rest will be delivered between late August 2025 and 2027, strengthening the group’s ability to meet growing global demand for vehicle transport while cutting emissions.

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