Kongsberg’s tech picked for Grimaldi’s hybrid RoRo ships

Norwegian tech provider Kongsberg Maritime has signed a repeat order with Grimaldi Group to supply engineering and technology for two new hybrid roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels.

As explained, Kongsberg Maritime will supply marine automation systems and Auto Chief 600 propulsion control systems, hybrid systems, converters, battery energy storage of 5MWh, battery management system, manoeuvring and propulsion systems. The contract has a value of NOK220 million ($21.5 million).

The 7800-line metre ships will be built at China Merchant Jinling Shipyard. The contract for new vessels was signed in the last quarter of 2022, and the vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2025.

The RoRo ships will join Grimaldi Group’s fleet of low-emission, hybrid units known as the Grimaldi Green 5th Generation (GG5G) class.

Twelve GG5G vessels have been completed, with the latest, Eco Italia, delivered in October 2022.

The two new vessels will operate in hybrid mode and on a fully battery electric system when in port. The GG5G vessels reduce carbon dioxide emissions by half per unit transported on shorter routes, according to the company.

At 238 metres in length, with a beam of 34 metres and gross tonnage of 64,000 tonnes, the GG5Gs are among the largest Ro-Ro vessels in the world for short-route operation.

“Continuation of these vessels represents the future of commercial maritime vessels, incorporating practical hybrid technology that allows major cuts in carbon emissions,” said Kongsberg Maritime President Lisa Edvardsen Haugan. 

“We have been developing integrated solutions for hybrid propulsion for years, reducing capex costs for ship owners and opex for operators, while ensuring high performance standards in battery-electric operation.”

“With their outstanding operational and environmental performance, our ‘Eco’ ships are revolutionizing short sea shipping in Europe,” said Grimaldi Group Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi in a statement at the delivery of Eco Italia. 

“We will continue to invest in this green revolution.”

As part of its eco-friendly fleet expansion, the Italian shipowner recently lifted the option for the construction of an additional five ammonia-ready PCTCs at China Merchants Heavy Industries Jiangsu.

The first five vessels were ordered in October 2022 under a contract with included an option for additional five units, for a total investment of approximately €1 billion.

The concept of the new buildings was developed by the Grimaldi Group in collaboration with the Knud E. Hansen naval design. The vessels have received the Ammonia Ready class notation from Italian shipping register RINA, which certifies that the ships are designed for eventual conversion for the use of ammonia as marine fuel.