The regular ro-ro line operated by the Neapolitan shipping group Grimaldi between Venice, Bari and Patras is being served by two of the company’s “green giants”, the hybrid vessels Eco Catania and Eco Malta, starting from 26 June.
Grimaldi group, in synergy with the Port System Authorities of Northern Adriatic Sea, Southern Adriatic Sea and the Greek port of Patras, will enhance maritime intermodality between the two shores of the Adriatic through the use of eco-friendly ships.
In fact, each of the two “GG5G”-class ships can carry some 7,800 linear metres of freight, equivalent to around 500 trailers and 180 cars – twice as much as the previous class of short sea ro-ro ships deployed by the Grimaldi Group.
However, this greater capacity does not increase fuel consumption thanks to the adoption of numerous highly innovative technological solutions that optimize the vessels’ operational and environmental performance, according to a statement.
In fact, at the same speed, Eco Catania and Eco Maltaconsume use the same amount of fuel as the previous generation ro-ro ships, meaning they can effectively halve CO2 emissions per unit transported.
Ugo Patroni Griffi, president of the Port System Authority of the Southern Adriatic Sea, commented, “Having ships producing zero emission in port represents a key investment for the sustainable future of our seaports.”
He added, “In fact, in addition to guaranteeing zero emission impact on the territory, the introduction of two brand new Grimaldi ‘Eco’ vessels – replacing the four ‘Eurocargo’ ships which have been operating the line up to now – will exponentially increase the transport capacity of rolling freight from the port of Bari.”
