- Eco Napoli, the final vessel in Grimaldi’s GG5G fleet, is the world’s largest and most eco-friendly ro-ro ship for short-sea shipping.
- It doubles cargo capacity while maintaining the same fuel consumption, cutting CO2 emissions per unit by 50% and achieving zero emissions in port with mega lithium batteries.
- Set to enter service in May, it will enhance Mediterranean trade routes, completing the $1 billion GG5G fleet of 14 hybrid vessels.
The Grimaldi Group has officially taken delivery of the Eco Napoli, marking the completion of its GG5G fleet. Built at the Jinling shipyard in Nanjing, China, this vessel is a testament to Grimaldi’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in maritime transport. As the world’s largest and most eco-friendly ro-ro ship for short-sea shipping, the Eco Napoli represents a major step forward in reducing emissions while enhancing cargo efficiency, according to Container News.
Innovative Design and Capacity
The Eco Napoli, flying the Italian flag, spans 238 meters in length with a 34-meter beam and a gross tonnage of 67,311 tonnes. It operates at a service speed of 20.8 knots and features seven cargo decks, two of which are adjustable. This design enables it to transport up to 7,800 linear meters of rolling freight, equivalent to 500 trailers and 180 cars, effectively doubling the capacity of previous ro-ro vessels in the Grimaldi fleet.
Eco-Friendly Technologies and Energy Efficiency
Despite its increased capacity, the Eco Napoli maintains the same fuel consumption as its predecessors, thanks to advanced energy-efficient technologies. This results in a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions per transported unit. The vessel is powered by electronically controlled engines and features an exhaust gas cleaning system that minimizes sulphur and particulate emissions.
To achieve zero emissions while docked, the ship is equipped with mega lithium batteries (totaling 5 MWh) that recharge during sailing through shaft generators and 350 m² of solar panels. These innovations significantly enhance its environmental performance, making it one of the most sustainable vessels in operation today.
Strengthening Maritime Trade Routes
The Eco Napoli is set to enter service in the Mediterranean by early May, playing a crucial role in strengthening Grimaldi’s ro-ro connections between Gemlik, Ambarli, Patras, and Trieste. It will transport a wide range of rolling cargo, including cars, vans, trucks, and agricultural machinery, supporting trade efficiency across key shipping routes.
Completion of the GG5G Fleet
With the introduction of the Eco Napoli, the GG5G fleet is now fully operational. Comprising fourteen hybrid ro-ro vessels, the fleet has a total investment value exceeding $1 billion. Over the past few years, these vessels have transformed short-sea transport across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, setting new benchmarks in eco-friendly shipping.
Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Naples-based shipping group, emphasized that the completion of the GG5G fleet represents a major advancement in sustainable maritime logistics, reinforcing Grimaldi’s leadership in green shipping innovation.
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Source: Container News
