On 10th September, the Italian shipping company Grimaldi Group officially took delivery of Grande Auckland, a Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) in Shanghai, China. The vessel was built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company Limited and China Shipbuilding Trading Company Limited.
Grande Auckland is the second in the series of seven PCTCs ordered by the company. The vessel is powered by a MAN B&W 7S60 ME-C10.6-HPSCR TIER II–TIER III engine, designed to meet stringent international standards for CO₂, NOx, and SOx emissions. According to Grimaldi, the vessel’s design reduces CO₂ emissions per unit of cargo carried by up to 50% compared to earlier-generation PCTCs.
The 200-metre-long vessel has received “Ammonia Ready” class notation by RINA, allowing for future conversion to ammonia fuel. It is also equipped with shore power capability, enabling the ship to connect to the local power grid while berthed at ports that has the necessary infrastructure. This feature reduces fuel consumption, lowers emissions, and minimizes noise during port stays.
Sailing under the flag of Italy, the vessel has a capacity of 9,241 Car Equivalent Units (CEU), fitted with four decks designed for large units of up to 250 tons and a height clearance of 6.5 meters. With this configuration, the vessel can transport both electric and traditional fuel-powered vehicles, as well as other rolling cargos.
The newly built PCTC is scheduled to operate on the Asia–Europe route in 2025. It will begin its maiden voyage from Shanghai and Lianyungang, carrying 4,900 vehicles and 3,300 linear meters of rolling cargo. The voyage is scheduled to make calls in Morocco, Spain, Belgium, and the United Kingdom before returning to Asia via Réunion, Japan, and South Korea.
