New multipurpose ship joins Grimaldi fleet

With the delivery of the Great Cotonou on 20 December at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. Ltd shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea, the Grimaldi Group has completed its fleet of six innovative G5-class ro-ro multipurpose vessels.

Measuring 250 meters in length with a beam of 38 meters and a deadweight of 45,684 tonnes, Great Cotonou and its sister ships were designed to meet the specific requirements of the company and its clients.

Thanks to a fully customized internal configuration, these vessels can transport 4,700 linear meters of rolling cargo, 2,500 CEUs, and 2,000 TEUs. While maintaining the same rolling cargo capacity as the previous G4-class, the G5-class doubles container capacity.

Beyond their loading capabilities, Great Cotonou and its counterparts incorporate advanced technologies that enhance energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact. These innovations enable a reduction in CO2 emissions per transported tonne by up to 43% compared to other Grimaldi ro-ro multipurpose vessels. Additionally, the ship is equipped for cold ironing, allowing it to connect to shoreside electricity when available—offering a greener alternative to using fossil fuels during port stays.

In January 2025, Great Cotonou will inaugurate a new Grimaldi Group shipping route, connecting China to Lagos, Nigeria.

“Today, we introduce two major innovations: the Great Cotonou, the sixth and final technological gem of the G5 class, and the new regular service that will enable the transport of rolling cargo and containers between China, West Africa, and Brazil,” stated Gian Luca Grimaldi, President of Grimaldi Group.

Moreover, operating alongside a sister vessel, the service will initially run monthly, transporting a mix of rolling cargo (including cars, trucks, construction, and agricultural machinery) and containers. Shipments will be transshipped at the Grimaldi-owned PTML terminal in Lagos for delivery to key ports in West Africa and Brazil.

This announcement was made during the ship’s christening ceremony on 17 December at the South Korean shipyard. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Hyundai Mipo Dockyard President and CEO H.K. Kim, Senior Vice Presidents C. O. Park and H. J. Choi, and Andrea Grimaldi, Deep Sea Lines Executive Manager of the Grimaldi Group.

Gian Luca Grimaldi added, “We are proud to offer our customers an increasingly extensive network of services that stand out for their high transport capacity and environmental sustainability, thanks to our increasingly young and cutting-edge fleet.”