Grimaldi Group Unveils $1.5 Billion Next-Gen Green Shipping Investment

The 27th annual Euromed Convention of the Grimaldi Group opened this weekend with a festive ceremony at the Forte Village resort in Pula, Sardinia.

 

Over 700 key figures from the fields of finance, transport, logistics, ports, and the global automotive industry participated in the impressive gathering this year, including a prominent senior delegation from Israel.

 

This year's convention focused on the challenges of decarbonization and the transition to green, zero-emission shipping, addressing dramatic geopolitical changes in the Mediterranean region, and the logistical complexity of the global automotive industry.

 

In the keynote opening speech, the Group's CEO, Emanuele Grimaldi, provided a comprehensive and candid overview of the industry's status, security challenges in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, and the Group's procurement and development plan for the coming years.

 

 

"Freedom of Navigation, the Gulf Drama, and the Damage of European Regulation

 

Grimaldi opened his remarks by referring to the geopolitical upheavals of the past two years, including Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, the war in Ukraine, and conflicts in the Middle East. "These events have tested our industry and reminded us how much the world depends on maintaining open shipping lanes," he said.

 

At this stage, Grimaldi shared a personal drama experienced by the Group: the Grimaldi ship Grande Torino was stuck in the Persian Gulf for over 100 days before successfully crossing the Strait of Hormuz safely.

 

Grimaldi thanked the crew for their courage and the Italian government for its diplomatic assistance, emphasizing: "Freedom of navigation is not an abstract concept. Trade and human lives depend on it. Seafarers should not be endangered just for doing their jobs."

 

Additionally, Grimaldi leveled sharp criticism at the European Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the FuelEU Maritime regulation—regulations that require shipping companies to gradually reduce the carbon intensity of fuels, connect to shore power in ports, and impose heavy fines for violations.

 

According to him, the ETS alone currently adds about 8 billion euros per year to the cost of maritime transport in Europe, an amount expected to jump to about 10 billion euros starting in 2027. "A destructive paradox has been created: on one hand, there is encouragement to move cargo from road to sea and billions are invested in green ships, while on the other hand, a regulatory burden is created that dramatically increases the cost of shipping and threatens to push cargo back onto European roads."

 

 

Environment and Technology: A Massive $1.5 Billion Investment

 

Grimaldi noted the Group's procurement momentum, with the delivery of the Eco Napoli in March 2025, completing the GG5G program which included 14 hybrid Ro-Ro ships. These vessels are capable of carrying twice the cargo with the same fuel consumption as the previous generation and cutting carbon emissions by 50% per unit transported. Meanwhile, the Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) fleet is undergoing massive renewal. With the delivery of the Grande Egitto, 14 PCTC ships with "Ammonia Ready" classification have joined the fleet, allowing for future conversion to ammonia propulsion. The program will be completed this April with a total of 17 ships, with capacities up to 9,800 CEU and exceptionally high fuel efficiency.

 

Another central pillar of the renewal process is a massive order worth approximately $1.5 billion for the construction of 9 Ro-Pax ships for passenger and cargo transport. Six of these will serve the Mediterranean under the Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines brands, and three will join the Finnlines fleet in the Baltic Sea, with delivery dates between 2028 and 2030. The ships will reduce carbon emissions by over 50% and will be ready for methanol propulsion to achieve zero emissions.

 

Furthermore, Grimaldi revealed that the Group's R&D division is already in advanced stages of planning new projects for the next generation of ships. According to him, this is a new generation of ConRo and multi-purpose ships, designed to be the most efficient, flexible, and greenest in the world in their segments.

 

 

Globality: Expansion in Asia and Commitment to Sardinia

 

In the global chapter, Grimaldi noted that the Group's activity in Asia has expanded significantly, and today over 30 ships operate in the Asian network on regular service lines. The Group strengthened sailings to Europe and Africa, launched new lines to Latin America and Oceania, and a new service between China and the Philippines, alongside establishing a presence in India and Japan.

 

Simultaneously, he proudly noted the renewal of the public service concession for another five years on behalf of the Italian Ministry of Transport for the main shipping lines of Sardinia: Naples-Cagliari-Palermo and Civitavecchia-Cagliari-Arbatax, with a commitment to upgrading service and ships for the island's residents and local businesses.

 

Grimaldi concluded his speech by thanking customers, partners, and employees at sea and on land, and mentioned the activities of the 'Grimaldi Foundation,' which has supported over 500 social and community projects in Naples, the Mediterranean region, and the world.

 

The Euromed conference continued with professional panels featuring high-ranking guests, including ministers and experts, who discussed the energy transition, Mediterranean geopolitics, and challenges in automotive industry logistics.

 

It should be noted that a respectable Israeli representation arrived at the event as guests of the Grimaldi Group and its Israeli agent, the Allalouf company. The delegation included senior representatives from leading car importers in Israel, alongside management representatives from the Ashdod and Haifa port companies.