Grimaldi Group has taken delivery of the final G5-class vessel, Great Cotonou, which is set to inaugurate a new China-to-Nigeria route in January 2025.
Italian shipowner Grimaldi Group has welcomed the final vessel of its six G5-class ro-ro multipurpose ships, the Great Cotonou, into its fleet. The vessel was delivered on 20 December at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. Ltd shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea.
With a length of 250m, a beam of 38m, and a deadweight of 45,684t, the Great Cotonou can transport 4,700 linear metres of rolling freight, 2,500 CEU, and 2,000 TEU. Compared to the previous G4-class vessels, the G5-class ships maintain the same rolling freight capacity but double their container capacity. The series is designed to reduce CO2 emissions per tonne of cargo transported by up to 43% compared to other Grimaldi ro-ro multipurpose vessels. Additionally, the ships are equipped for cold ironing, enabling the use of shoreside electricity as a greener alternative to fossil fuels during port stays.
In January 2025, the Great Cotonou will inaugurate a new Grimaldi Group route connecting China to Lagos, Nigeria. Operating alongside a sister vessel, the service will initially run on a monthly schedule. Grimaldi expects the new maritime link will facilitate the shipment of various types of rolling cargo—such as cars, vans, trucks, and construction and agricultural machinery—as well as containers. Cargo will be transhipped at the Grimaldi-owned PTML terminal in Lagos for delivery to major ports in West Africa and Brazil.
Great Cotonou’s christening ceremony @Grimaldi
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