On 28 November in Shanghai, the Grimaldi Group celebrated the christening and delivery of the Grande Istanbul, the fourth in a series of seven ammonia-ready Pure Car & Truck Carriers (PCTCs) being built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company (SWS) and China Shipbuilding Trading Company (CSTC), both part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).
Measuring 200 metres in length with a 38-metre beam and approximately 77,500 gross tons, the Grande Istanbul is designed for the efficient transport of vehicles and other rolling cargo. The vessel can carry up to 9,241 CEU, including heavy units of up to 250 tons and 6.5 metres in height across four strengthened decks. The ship accommodates both electric and conventional vehicles, meeting evolving market needs.
The ceremony was attended by Zhang Wei, Vice President of SWS, and Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Automotive Intercontinental Director of the Grimaldi Group. Also present were senior representatives of SANY, a major Chinese machinery manufacturer and long-standing customer of the Group. Chunyan Yuan, Vice President of SANY Group, served as the vessel’s godmother—highlighting the growing strategic collaboration between the companies.
The Grande Istanbul will soon commence her maiden voyage on the Group’s East Asia–Persian Gulf route. From Taicang and Ningbo, she will carry more than 2,000 cars, 1,000 vans and 4,800 linear metres of rolling cargo to Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates.
“We are proud that our investments in new vessels are translating into enhanced services and value for our customers,” said Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Grimaldi Group. “With large, modern and environmentally friendly ships like the Grande Istanbul, we are supporting the development of key trades while advancing sustainability.”
Equipped with a high-efficiency electronic engine, cold ironing capability and “Ammonia Ready” certification from RINA, the vessel reduces CO₂ emissions per transported cargo by up to 50% compared to previous-generation PCTCs—strengthening the Group’s commitment to greener global logistics.
