The Grimaldi Group has recently welcomed a new addition to its fleet with the delivery of the Great Abidjan, the fourth of six ro-ro multipurpose vessels of the innovative “G5” class. Commissioned at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan, South Korea, the ship was officially christened and handed over during a ceremony on April 23.

Ceremony and Key Attendees

The ceremony at the South Korean shipyard saw the presence of notable figures from both the Grimaldi Group and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. Representing Grimaldi were Diego Pacella, President of Grimaldi Deep Sea, Amelia Grimaldi, Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, and Euromed & Far East/Europe Line Manager of the group. From Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, attendees included President Hyung Kwan Kim, Executive Vice President Eui Sung Yoon, and Vice President Sang Ho Jin. The ship’s godmother, Emilia Gatto, the Italian ambassador to Seoul, highlighted the strong commercial ties between Italy and South Korea and commended both companies for their exemplary collaboration.

Specifications and Capabilities

The Great Abidjan, like its sister ships, measures 250 meters in length, 38 meters in width, and has a gross tonnage of 45,684 tons. This impressive vessel boasts a custom-designed interior, reflecting the specific needs of Grimaldi and its clientele. Its innovative design allows it to transport:

• 4,700 linear meters of rolling cargo
• 2,500 car equivalent units (CEU)
• 2,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU)

Compared to the previous G4 class, the G5 class maintains the same capacity for rolling cargo but doubles the container capacity.

Technological Advancements and Environmental Impact

Beyond its cargo capacity, the Great Abidjan stands out for its state-of-the-art technological solutions aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. It can reduce CO2 emissions per ton transported by up to 43% compared to other con-ro multipurpose vessels in the Grimaldi fleet. This significant improvement underscores the Grimaldi Group’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Collaboration with Marine Partners Monaco

A key aspect of the Great Abidjan’s operations is the dedicated and skilled crew onboard. Marine Partners Monaco, a reputable manning agency, has been instrumental in this regard by providing highly trained Filipino seafarers. Known for their expertise and professionalism, these seafarers ensure the smooth and efficient running of the vessel, contributing to its overall success. The partnership with Marine Partners Monaco highlights the importance of experienced crew members in maintaining the high standards of service and safety that the Grimaldi Group is known for.

Future Prospects

Diego Pacella, reflecting on the collaboration with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, remarked, “The Great Abidjan is the result of a long and fruitful partnership with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, which may continue in the future for the renewal of our fleet.” This statement hints at ongoing and future collaborations that could further modernize and expand Grimaldi’s fleet, continuing their trajectory of innovation and excellence in maritime transport.

The introduction of the Great Abidjan marks a significant milestone for the Grimaldi Group, reinforcing its position as a leader in maritime transport with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. The successful delivery of this vessel exemplifies the strong collaborative efforts between Italy and South Korea and sets a high standard for future additions to the fleet. The involvement of Marine Partners Monaco and its Filipino seafarers underscores the critical role of skilled crew members in achieving operational excellence and upholding the Grimaldi Group’s commitment to superior service.