Grimaldi Group Launches Grande Seoul: Ammonia-Ready PCTC Vessel Boosts Green Vehicle Transport between Asia and Europe
The Grimaldi Group has taken delivery of its latest PCTC (Pure Car and Truck Carrier) vessel, Grande Seoul, marking the ninth ammonia-ready unit in its growing eco-friendly fleet. Built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company Limited and China Shipbuilding Trading Company, both under the umbrella of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the Grande Seoul is engineered for high-efficiency transport of vehicles, including electric, hybrid, and traditional fuel-powered cars, SUVs, and vans.
Measuring 200 meters in length with a beam of 38 meters and a gross tonnage of approximately 77,500 tonnes, the Grande Seoul features a loading capacity of 9,241 CEU. Its four decks can accommodate additional rolling cargo, including heavy loads up to 250 tons and heights of 6.5 meters. The vessel incorporates advanced environmental technologies, reducing CO₂ emissions per transported cargo by up to 50% compared with previous-generation PCTCs.
Equipped with an electronic engine, the Grande Seoul achieves one of the lowest specific fuel consumptions in its class while meeting stringent international regulations for CO₂, NOx, and SOx emissions. The vessel has also been granted the ammonia-ready class notation by RINA, and it supports shore power supply (cold ironing) at compatible ports, further lowering emissions during berthing.
Named after South Korea’s capital, the Grande Seoul underscores the Grimaldi Group’s commitment to connecting Asia and Europe through its extensive network spanning more than 150 ports across 60 countries. Since 2022, South Korea has become a pivotal hub in the company’s global service routes, facilitating seamless vehicle transport between European and Asian markets.
The Grande Seoul is set to depart from Shanghai (Taicang) on her maiden voyage, carrying over 6,200 cars and 1,600 linear meters of other rolling cargo to the ports of Antwerp, Portbury, and Vigo. Analysts say the vessel’s combination of large capacity, eco-friendly technology, and ammonia-ready design positions it at the forefront of the shipping industry’s transition toward green maritime logistics.
