The vessel is the final one of seven sister ships ordered from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company Limited (SWS) and China Shipbuilding Trading Company Limited (CSTC), both part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC).

Designed for the efficient transport of vehicles — including cars, SUVs, vans and electric models — as well as other rolling cargo, the GRANDE TOKYO has a capacity of 9,241 CEU (Car Equivalent Units). Four of her decks can also accommodate heavy loads of up to 250 tonnes and 6.5 metres in height.

Named after Tokyo as a tribute to Japan’s importance in Grimaldi’s Asia services, the vessel strengthens the Group’s connections between Japan and Europe, the Persian Gulf and East Africa. Through its network of over 150 ports in 60 countries and transshipment options, Grimaldi links Japan to major global trade routes.

The christening ceremony was attended by Zhang Wei, Vice President of SWS, and Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Automotive Intercontinental Director of the Grimaldi Group. Rena Kawachi, HR Director of Mitsubishi Fuso, served as godmother, underscoring the strong partnership for vehicle exports from Japan to Africa, the Middle East, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

“With our latest-generation ammonia-ready PCTCs, which combine high transport capacity with drastically reduced emissions, we have set a new standard of efficiency and environmental sustainability in global vehicle shipping,” said Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Grimaldi Group. “We reaffirm our commitment to being a reliable partner for our customers, supporting their growth with advanced, adaptable logistics solutions.”

The GRANDE TOKYO’s maiden voyage will begin shortly from Ningbo, China, carrying approximately 6,800 cars bound for Paranaguá and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Main technologies on board the GRANDE TOKYO

Measuring 200 metres in length, with a beam of 38 metres and a gross tonnage of approximately 77,500 tonnes, the vessel features a state-of-the-art electronic engine offering one of the lowest specific fuel consumptions in its class. It complies with the strictest international limits for CO2, NOx and SOx emissions.

Thanks to her optimised size, proven design and innovative systems, the GRANDE TOKYO reduces the CO2 emissions index per unit of cargo by up to 50% compared with previous-generation PCTCs.

She holds the “Ammonia Ready” class notation from RINA, certifying future conversion to ammonia as a zero-carbon fuel. The vessel is also equipped for shore power connection (cold ironing) while berthed, providing a greener alternative to onboard generators where available.

© Shippax