Deltamarin wins basic and detail design contract for six pioneering RoPax Vessels for Grimaldi Lines

June 24th, 2025

Deltamarin has signed a design and engineering contract with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) for six new RoPax vessels ordered by the Grimaldi Group.

The agreement includes basic and detail design for the “Next Generation Med” class vessels, which will be deployed across key Mediterranean routes under the Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines brands.

Of the six vessels, four will sail under the Italian flag and be operated under the Grimaldi Lines brand, while two will be registered under the Greek flag and operated by Grimaldi’s subsidiary Minoan Lines. All six ships are set to elevate maritime transport in the Mediterranean through a unique combination of high freight and passenger capacity, next-generation environmental performance, and enhanced onboard experience.

Each 229-meter vessel will feature 3,300 lane meters for rolling freight, space for over 300 passenger vehicles, and capacity for up to 2,500 passengers. Accommodation includes more than 300 cabins for over 1,200 guests.

The vessels will be powered by engines capable of running on methanol-making them the first ships in the Mediterranean designed specifically for this alternative fuel. Additional green technologies include e.g. shore power readiness, silicon-based hull coatings, optimized hull and propeller designs, and advanced onboard power management systems. These features will collectively reduce CO₂ emissions per cargo unit by more than 50% compared to current vessels operating on similar routes.

The design work will begin at Deltamarin immediately with vessel deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2030.


Image by Grimaldi Group

About Deltamarin



Deltamarin Group provides ship design, offshore engineering, and construction support for the marine and offshore industries worldwide. The services include the full range of consulting, design, and engineering as well as procurement, support for construction and installation. The Group employs around 400 experts in its own and associated companies located in Europe and Asia. Deltamarin is part of China Merchants Group. deltamarin.com

About Wallenius Wilhelmsen
The Wallenius Wilhelmsen group is a market leader in RoRo shipping and vehicle logistics, transporting cars, trucks, rolling equipment and breakbulk around the world. The company owns or operates 127 vessels servicing 32 trade routes to six continents, and operates a global inland distribution network, 77 processing centers, and 13 marine terminals. The Wallenius Wilhelmsen group consist of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Solutions, EUKOR and ARC. The group is headquartered in Oslo, Norway with 7.500 employees in 29 countries worldwide. walleniuswilhelmsen.com

Deltamarin Ltd. press release