The Naples-based Grimaldi Group has officially taken delivery of its final energy-efficient G5-class multipurpose roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel from HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) in South Korea. Named Great Cotonou, the ship was handed over on December 20, 2024, marking the completion of the six-ship G5-class series.
Great Cotonou features advanced environmental and energy-efficient technologies, achieving up to 43% lower CO2 emissions per tonne transported compared to earlier Grimaldi RoRo vessels. The ship measures 250 meters in length, 38 meters in beam, and has a deadweight of 45,864 tonnes. It can transport 4,700 linear meters of rolling freight, 2,500 CEU, and 2,000 TEU.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the vessel is equipped for cold ironing, allowing it to use shoreside electricity during port stays to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
The Great Cotonou will debut a new maritime service for Grimaldi, connecting China to Lagos, Nigeria, starting in January 2025. Operating alongside a sister vessel, the route will offer monthly service, enabling the transport of cars, vans, trucks, construction and agricultural machinery, and containers. Cargo will be transshipped at Grimaldi’s PTML terminal in Lagos for delivery to West Africa and Brazil.
Gian Luca Grimaldi, President of Grimaldi Group, expressed pride in the completion of the G5-class and the launch of the new route, emphasizing the fleet’s high capacity and environmental sustainability.