The Grimaldi Group did something that none of its peers had ever done before in April 2025: it ordered nine ro-pax ferries at once. Over the past five years alone, the Naples-headquartered shipowner and operator of both deep-sea and short-sea ro-ro tonnage – led by the brothers Gianluca and Emanuele Grimaldi, together with their brother-in-law Diego Pacella – has invested billions of euros in a further fleet renewal with 14 hybrid mega short-sea ro-ro ferries and two hybrid Superstar-class ro-pax ferries delivered since late 2020.
The company has also continued to renew its deep-sea fleet, thereby significantly reducing its emissions footprint per transported unit. Recently, two new car and truck carriers were introduced and 15 more are under construction at two different shipyards in China. With nine new methanol dual-fuel ro-pax ferries added to the newbuild tally, the Grimaldi Group is sparing no effort on its steep pathway to net-zero emissions.
Emanuele Grimaldi stands at the helm of the group’s short-sea division and is preparing the third generation of the family to follow in the footsteps of their fathers and uncle. However, the 69-year-old – who is currently in his second and final term as chair of the International Chamber of Shipping – is nowhere near contemplating retirement. In fact, quite the contrary, he remains passionate about the industry.
Emanuele Grimaldi (left) and Miao Jianmin, chairman of China Merchants Group, discuss the project to build nine ro-pax ferries for Grimaldi Lines, Finnlines and Minoan Lines
Grimaldi explains that the project for the group’s next generation of Mediterranean ro-pax ferries – four of which will operate for the Grimaldi Lines brand and two in the Minoan Lines fleet – started three years ago. The project to construct the three Hansa Superstar-class ro-pax ferries – earmarked to replace the three Fincantieri-built Star-class ro-pax ferries operating on Finnlines’ daily Helsinki-Travemünde route – started in parallel. The Hansa Superstars represent a different platform and are a ‘lessons learned’ variation of the Superstar-class ro-pax ferries Finnsirius and Finncanopus, introduced on Finnlines’ Naantali-Långnäs (Åland)-Kapellskär route in September 2023 and February 2024, respectively. With capacity for 5,190 trailer lane metres and 1,100 passengers, 1,008 of whom can be accommodated in 323 cabins, the Superstar-class vessels rank among the largest of their kind in the world in terms of lane metre capacity.
“Finnsirius and Finncanopus are true superstars – probably the best ro-pax vessels on the market today and a benchmark for future projects,” says Grimaldi.
The ferries are the reference ships for the Hansa Superstar-class but will have a higher service speed due to route requirements. “We have increased the propulsion power accordingly,” explains Grimaldi. “Another difference is the type of fuel, as the engines will be capable of running on methanol from day one. All nine ships will have methanol multi-fuel engines and besides being capable of running on methanol or biofuels, we have kept the heavy fuel oil option in combination with scrubber technology.”
Grimaldi underlines the green credentials of the nine ships that will be delivered by China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard – the builders of Finnsirius and Finncanopus and also Stena RoRo’s E-Flexer series – between January 2028 and September 2030. “The vessels will come with a long list of energy-saving devices,” he clarifies. “We have opted for proven technologies such as air lubrication, batteries and absorption chillers. Especially long routes such as Helsinki-Travemünde benefit from air lubrication while batteries will not only decrease emissions during port manoeuvres but also improve safety by reducing the risk of blackout to virtually zero. The installation of other energy-efficiency solutions, such as heat pumps, is still under evaluation.”
Four of the nine ro-pax ferries Grimaldi Group has ordered will operate for Grimaldi Lines in the Mediterranean
Besides being technical marvels, the Hansa Superstars will also set new standards for the Hansalink service, which typically involves two nights onboard for northbound sailings. “The new Hansalink Superstar-class will have nearly twice the passenger capacity of the Star-class which will be over 20 years old by the time the first newbuild is introduced,” says Grimaldi. “The quality of the passenger services and the interior design from Vertti & Co will be second to none and comparable to that of the Superstars. Naturally, there will be some lessons learned and route-related changes as the vessels have been specifically customised for the much longer Finland-Germany route.
“While the theme of the Superstars’ interior design refers to the archipelago that characterises the Finnlink route, the near sister ships for the Finland-Germany route will bring new fresh ideas and storytelling to this route with an updated interior design and new colour schemes. With enhanced onboard offerings and improved comfort – including new cabin categories and updated restaurant concepts – the Hansa Superstar-class is also designed to support the passenger growth we’ve experienced on the route in recent years. This is also why we specified a much higher passenger capacity versus the 554-passenger Star-class ferries. The route between Helsinki and Travemünde remains the most convenient sea connection between Finland and Central Europe. We believe the upgraded travel experience will attract new passengers and additional market segments.”
Grimaldi adds that the current timetable will be retained as it represents an efficient response to market demands on this route, however, he admits that the increased freight intake compared to the 4,223 trailer lane metre Star-class ferries may pose some challenges to turnaround times. “We are already working to enhance the efficiency of loading and unloading operations in both ports, for example through the use of state-of-the-art port equipment,” he says.
While the Hansa Superstars are a further evolution of the Superstars, the six ro-pax ferries for the Grimaldi Group’s Mediterranean operations represent a totally new platform. It has been developed from scratch in close collaboration with KNUD E. HANSEN, the naval architect that was also behind the concept design of the Superstar-class vessels. The basic and detailed design of both platforms is in the hands of China Merchants Group-controlled design and engineering firm Deltamarin. Coined as the Next Generation Med-class, the six ships stand out in many ways, not in the least thanks to their signature rounded bow shape.
With a capacity for over 3,300 trailer lane metres and 2,365 passengers, the vessels will be among the largest ro-pax ferries in the Mediterranean with a length of 229.20 metres and 31.40-metre beams. In addition to three trailer decks, the sextet will have a dedicated 316-car capacity deck conveniently located below the accommodation decks, which will boast an array of food and beverage facilities as well as 315 cabins for a total of 1,233 berths. “The ships for Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines will be in a class of their own,” says Grimaldi. “There will be plenty of entertainment options for all ages, including bars, panoramic restaurants, shops, discos, spas and wellness areas, pools and children’s play areas.”
The group’s passengers have been instrumental in the design process of both the Hansa Superstar and Next Generation Med-class. “Passenger feedback has provided valuable insights,” explains Grimaldi. “Their opinions, combined with operational considerations and feedback from crew members, have helped shape the design of these ships.”
A rendering of one of the three Hansa Superstar-class ro-pax ferries, which will operate on Finnlines’ route between Finland and Germany
Besides the concept and exterior design, KNUD E. HANSEN is also responsible for the interior design of the four Next Generation Med-class ro-pax ferries that will operate on yet-to-be announced Grimaldi Lines routes in the Western Mediterranean. KNUD E. HANSEN will work closely with Greece-based Molindris + Associates on the interior design of the two that will operate for Minoan Lines. These ships will be introduced on Minoan Lines’ domestic Piraeus-Milos-Heraklion route, replacing Knossos Palace and Festos Palace.
China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard is the world’s most prolific builder of ro-pax tonnage. Even so, Grimaldi explains that several yards were involved in the selection process, including non-Chinese yards. “We ultimately chose China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard based on its competitive pricing during the tender process as well as its proven track record of delivering high-quality vessels,” he says.
This latest investment is significant for the Grimaldi Group and its ferry brands. “The nine newbuilds represent a major step forwards for all three of our companies,” says Grimaldi. “Besides their huge freight capacities, we are confident they will offer a top-tier travel experience in terms of comfort, efficiency, and sustainability. The project also represents a remarkable joint effort where the expertise of the Grimaldi Group’s and Finnlines’ newbuilding teams come together, also working closely with the Chinese builder. We’re proud to be contributing to shaping the future of sustainable maritime transport.”
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