On April 8, 2025, Grimaldi Group announced a $1.5 billion agreement with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) for the construction of nine ro-pax vessels.
These ships, capable of running on methanol, are designed to improve both passenger and cargo transport in the Mediterranean and Baltic seas. Six of the vessels, dubbed the “Next Generation Med” class, will operate in the Mediterranean under the Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines brands. These 229-meter ships will carry 3,300 lane metres of rolling freight, over 300 cars, and up to 2,500 passengers.
With the order of these nine extraordinary ro-pax vessels, we continue and strengthen our long, successful alliance with China Merchants Group, an outstanding partner for the building of cutting-edge ships,
… said Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Grimaldi Group.
The remaining three ships, known as the “Hansa Superstar” class, will sail in the Baltic under Finnlines. At 240 meters in length, they will carry 5,100 lane metres of freight and 90 cars, with room for 1,100 passengers in 320 cabins.
As a leader in high-end equipment manufacturing in China, China Merchants Industry Group and CMI Weihai Shipyard will bring together a top R&D team, lean manufacturing system and full life cycle service system to ensure high-quality project delivery and help Grimaldi further consolidate its leading position in the European and global ro-ro shipping market,
… declared Miao Jianmin, President of China Merchants Group.
All nine ships will be delivered between 2028 and 2030.
