Eco Valencia – First in class Grimaldi GG5G Hybrid Ro-Ro vessels

While already a market leader in vessel design innovation, Italy’s Grimaldi Group embarked on a new phase of modernization in 2018 with an initial order for six ro-ro vessels in May 2018 at a cost of $400 million. The first of these, ECO Valencia, was delivered in October 2020, arriving at the Port of Valencia in November 2020. Dedicated to the company’s Mediterranean coastal services, ECO Valencia is claimed to be the world’s largest Ro-Ro ship dedicated to short-sea shipping.

 

Built by Nanjing Jinling Shipyard, PRC

Owned and operated by Grimaldi Lines

LOA 238m

Beam 34m

GRT 67,311 tons

Trailer capacity 5,800 lane metres (approx. 500 trailers)

Container capacity 300 TEU on weather deck

Cruising speed 20.8 knots

Capacity for 31 crew and 12 passengers

 

The initial order for six vessels was expanded to a further six vessels for a total in class of 12 vessels. Of these, three have been designated to Grimaldi subsidiary Finnlines. These vessels are strengthen to Ice Class 1A Super standards for operating in the Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea.

 

The GG5G-class vessels are powered by two slow-speed two-stroke diesel engines which can generate a power output of 12,780kW each to two controllable pitch propellors.

 

A notable design feature is the incorporation of 600m² of solar panels will allow the Vessel’s batteries to charge during navigation. Compared to their predecessors, the Eco vessels are claimed to have increase operational efficiency by 100% in terms of consumption / tonne of freight transported. They have also received Green Plus class award, the highest certification in the field of environmental sustainability, from the Italian Shipping Registry (RINA).

The Technical and Energy Saving Department of the Grimaldi Group partnered with Knud E Hansen for the design of the GG5G-class.

Featured Image Credit: Knud E Hansen