Italy-based Grimaldi Group has expanded its fleet with the addition of the Great Cotonou, meaning all six of its G5-class ro-ro multipurpose vessels are now fully operational.
A christening ceremony for the vessel was held at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan, South Korea.
Grimaldi’s 45,684 dwt Great Cotonou measures 250 m, with a beam of 38 m. Like its sister vessels, such as Great Abidjan, it can transport up to 4,700 linear m of rolling freight, 2,500 ceu and 2,000 teu.
With technological solutions devised to increase energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, CO2 emissions per tonne transported are up to 43 percent less compared to other ro-ro multipurpose vessels from Grimaldi. The vessel is also designed for cold ironing with shoreside supply of electricity – where available – during port stays.
Later this month, Great Cotonou will introduce a new Grimaldi route between China and Lagos, Nigeria. From here, onward deliveries will be to other parts of West Africa and Brazil.
The vessel will operate alongside a sister vessel, as part of a service with a monthly frequency to begin with.
