The Grimaldi Group has officially welcomed the MV Great Antwerp into its fleet, receiving the vessel at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan, South Korea. This marks the first of six multipurpose ro-ro units commissioned from the Korean shipyard over two years ago and introduces the new “G5” class, an advancement over the previous “G4” vessels delivered in 2014 and 2015.

The vessel is named after Antwerp, Belgium, a key port that has been served by Grimaldi’s maritime operations for decades and is now the Group’s primary hub in Northern Europe.

Crew Management by Marine Partners Monaco

Marine Partners Monaco SAM is proud to manage the Filipino crew members onboard the Great Antwerp, providing essential engine ratings and a dedicated team of engine officers and deck ratings. Our expertise ensures that the vessel operates at peak efficiency and maintains the highest standards of maritime safety.

Technological Advancements

The Great Antwerp features advanced technological solutions to enhance energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact. The main engine and auxiliary generators comply with Tier III NOx emission standards. An integrated propulsion system between the rudder and propeller reduces vortex losses, optimizing efficiency and lowering fuel consumption.

Designed for cold ironing, the vessel can utilize shoreside electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels during port stays. Additionally, variable frequency drives on onboard machinery help lower electrical consumption, and innovative low-friction paints reduce hull resistance, improving overall efficiency.

Impressive Specifications

The Great Antwerp measures 250 meters in length, 38 meters in beam, and boasts a deadweight of 45,684 tonnes. Its innovative design allows it to transport 4,700 linear meters of rolling freight, 2,500 Car Equivalent Units (CEU), and 2,000 Twenty Foot Equivalent Units (TEU). Notably, while maintaining rolling freight capacity similar to the G4-class, the container capacity has doubled.

Environmental Commitment

The Great Antwerp exemplifies high energy and environmental efficiency, achieving a reduction of CO2 emissions per transported tonne by up to 43% compared to other Grimaldi ro-ro vessels. This commitment to sustainability positions the ship as a leader in modern maritime transport.

Deployment and Future Plans

The MV Great Antwerp will soon be deployed to enhance Grimaldi Group’s maritime services between Northern Europe and West Africa, supporting the company’s ongoing expansion in these vital routes.

Celebratory Delivery Ceremony

The delivery was celebrated with a ceremony attended by notable figures, including Hyung-Kwan Kim, CEO of Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, and Guido Grimaldi, Deep Sea Commercial & Operations Director of the Grimaldi Group. The event highlighted the collaboration between the shipyard and the Neapolitan shipping company, alongside representatives from key customers involved in routes connecting Europe, North and South America, and West Africa.

Godmother of the Vessel

The honor of godmother for the Great Antwerp was bestowed upon Sévérine Hajjar, wife of Pierre Hajjar, CEO of Socar Shipping Agencies, a significant partner in vehicle transport for the Grimaldi Group.

A New Chapter for Grimaldi Group

Guido Grimaldi remarked on this milestone, stating, “The delivery of this ship marks the beginning of a new era for our Group. With the successful launch of our previous classes, the G5 series will meet the increasing demand for quality maritime services while prioritizing environmental protection. We are committed to operating a young, modern, and eco-sustainable fleet.”

All six G5-class vessels are set to be delivered between 2023 and 2024, further strengthening the Grimaldi Group’s maritime services across Northern Europe and West Africa.