This week the third ro-ro multipurpose unit belonging to the innovative G5 class was delivered to the Grimaldi Group at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. Ltd shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea.
Like all six units belonging to the same series, Gran Tema will further improve the quality of the maritime transport services offered by the Neapolitan company between Northern Europe and West Africa. With length of 250 metres, beam of 38 metres and deadweight of 45,684 tonnes, the new vessel able to transport 4,700 linear metres of rolling freight, 2,500 Car Equivalent Units and 2,000 TEU – the same capacity for rolling freight as the previous G4-class but double the number of containers.
In addition to loading capacity, the Great Tema stands out on account of her numerous cutting-edge, technological solutions aimed at increasing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Both the main engine and the auxiliary diesel generators will meet the NOx levels imposed by the Tier III regulation, while the integrated propulsion system between rudder and propeller will minimize vortex losses and, consequently, optimize propulsive efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.
The vessel is designed for cold ironing with shoreside supply of electricity (where available) as a green alternative to the consumption of fossil fuels during port stays. Furthermore, the electrical consumption of on-board machinery (pumps, fans, etc.) is reduced thanks to the installation of variable frequency drive devices, while the application of innovative, low friction paints reduces hull resistance, thus increasing efficiency. Also, the ship is equipped with hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems for the abatement of sulphur and particulate emissions.
As proof of her high energy and environmental efficiency, the Great Tema enables a reduction of CO2emissions per tonne transported of up to 43% compared to other Grimaldi con-ro multipurpose ships.
“The entry into the fleet and the operation of ships like the Great Tema brings us ever closer to the major, primary goal of sustainable transport”, stated Gian Luca Grimaldi, President of Grimaldi Group S.p.A. “Indeed, for years we have clearly and concretely pointed our investments in this direction: to meet our customers’ needs while further reducing the environmental impact of maritime transport”.
From February 2024, the Great Tema will operate regularly on the Northern Europe-West Africa route. Like her sister ships Great Antwerp and Great Lagos, which were delivered to the Group in April and August 2023 respectively, she will serve the ports of Amsterdam, Hamburg, Tilbury, Casablanca, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Freetown, Cotonou, Lagos, Tema, Takoradi, Abidjan and San Pedro.
