Supporting Grimaldi’s New 9,241 CEU PCTC Fleet
Delivering advanced marine coatings for seven next-generation PCTC vessels.
International partners with the Grimaldi Group to deliver seven ammonia ready 9,241 CEU PCTC new builds
International®, AkzoNobel’s marine coatings brand, is supplying high-performance marine coatings for a series of 7 state-of-the-art new build PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) vessels of the Grimaldi Group.
The first two vessels, the Grande Tianjin and Grande Auckland with 9,241 CEU (Car Equivalent Unit) loading capacity, were delivered earlier in 2025. The Grande Melbourne with similar loading capacity is the third in the series that was officially named and delivered at the port of Shanghai in October 2025.
Construction & environmental performance
Shipyard location and build details
The series is being constructed at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company Limited (SWS) which is part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC).
Grande Tianjin, a 9,241 CEU Pure Car & Truck Carrier for the Grimaldi Group, sailing under her “GRIMALDI LINES” branding.
Fuel efficiency, emissions and ammonia-ready designation
The Grande Melbourne is claimed to be one of the lowest specific fuel consumptions in its class, meeting strict international CO2, NOx, and SOx emission standards, and is expected to cut the CO2 emissions index per transported cargo by up to 50% compared to older PCTC vessels. Additionally, the vessels have received the "Ammonia Ready" class notation from RINA (Italian Naval Register), indicating future conversion capability to use ammonia as a zero-carbon fuel.
Coating systems applied
- Intercept® 8500LPP, an ultra high-performance antifouling that is designed to significantly reduce hull friction, lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
- The anti-abrasion universal epoxy primer, Intergard® 7600.
- The Interthane® 990E polyurethane finish, ensuring an exceptional cosmetic appearance for these vessels.
The Grimaldi Group has selected International® to support the fuel efficiency and sustainability credentials of the vessels, underscoring their commitment to environmentally responsible shipping practices.
AkzoNobel sustainability leadership
AkzoNobel is a recognized sustainability leader and the only paints and coatings company ESG industry top rated by Sustainalytics, AAA in MSCI and top 1% of all companies assessed by EcoVadis. With 17 research and development sites across 11 countries globally, AkzoNobel is driving innovation in performance and sustainability.
