New Car Carriers Increase Shipping Capacity and Efficiency
The ships, which use solar power and battery banks, will help lower fuel consumption for global vehicle transport.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
Live Poll
Do you believe large investments in green shipping technology are necessary to modernize global trade?
Grimaldi recently took delivery of the Grande Pacifico and Grande Egitto, two new pure car and truck carriers designed to improve maritime transport efficiency. These vessels represent the first ships in a 17-vessel, $1.6 billion investment aimed at modernizing the global vehicle shipping fleet.
Why it matters
These ships utilize new technologies to increase vehicle capacity by 9% and reduce fuel consumption by 50% per trip compared to older models. For the global automotive supply chain, this shift promises more efficient transport and potentially reduced overhead for shipping new vehicles.
The new carriers boast a 9,800 CEU capacity and a 50% fuel efficiency gain compared to previous designs. This is backed by a $1.6 billion total investment for 17 ships, with each carrier measuring 220 metres long and featuring 15 decks.
The players
Grimaldi
An international shipping company specializing in the transport of automobiles and heavy machinery.
China Merchants Heavy Industries
A major industrial shipyard firm contracted to build the new series of high-capacity car carriers.
The details
The vessels achieve their efficiency gains through air lubrication systems that reduce hull resistance and gate rudders that flank the propeller for improved steering. Each ship is also equipped with 2,500 square metres of solar panels and 5.0 MWh lithium-ion battery banks. The carriers feature an additional deck compared to older designs, allowing for the increased 9,800 CEU capacity.
Timeline
2022-2023: Grimaldi placed orders for 17 new car carrier ships.
August 10, 2026: The Grande Pacifico was officially delivered.
September 21, 2026: The Grande Egitto was officially delivered.
The Home Front
This investment reflects a broader industry move toward greener global shipping corridors regulated by international maritime standards. It signals a shift toward more sustainable vehicle logistics as ship operators adopt RINA Ammonia Ready notations to align with future environmental mandates.
Homeowners and car buyers can monitor how these shipping advancements may stabilize future automotive costs by reducing fuel surcharges. As manufacturers integrate these carriers into global routes, look for improvements in the timing and efficiency of vehicle delivery schedules.
The takeaway
These high-capacity vessels demonstrate how maritime technology is evolving to reduce fuel costs and environmental impact per vehicle transported. As these carriers enter service, the shipping industry moves closer to standardizing low-emission infrastructure for global supply chains.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in vehicle logistics on our Electric Vehicles hub.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Baird Maritime.
Live Poll
Do you believe large investments in green shipping technology are necessary to modernize global trade?
