TRIESTE – The Grimaldi Group is strengthening its fleet through a new investment backed by Banco BPM: a €55 million financing agreement has been signed for the construction of the Grande Inghilterra, a PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) vessel to be deployed on services between Italy and the United Kingdom.
The transaction is part of a broader investment plan, aimed at consolidating the group’s global presence and making the fleet more sustainable and efficient.
The Grande Inghilterra, currently under construction in China with delivery scheduled for spring 2026, stands out for its high cargo capacity, lower fuel consumption compared with previous vessels and a range of green technological features, including 5 MWh mega lithium batteries, cold ironing systems for shore power supply while in port, solar panels and advanced emissions control systems. It represents a concrete response by the Grimaldi Group to the growing need for sustainability and lower environmental impact in maritime transport.
According to Grimaldi Euromed CEO Diego Pacella, «Banco BPM’s financing is a key element in combining fleet modernisation, environmental sustainability and international competitiveness». The deal follows a path already taken by the group through other banking agreements, including the €162.3 million green loan with Intesa Sanpaolo, aimed at the construction of three next-generation PCTC vessels.
The agreement with Banco BPM comes in a context of energy transition and geopolitical instability: bunker price dynamics, tensions in strategic chokepoints such as Hormuz and environmental constraints are pushing shipping operators to focus on a modern fleet, efficiency and financial resilience. The investment in the Grande Inghilterra is therefore a long-term choice, combining sustainability, technological innovation and industrial strategy.
