Underscoring the Grimaldi Group’s commitment to the ro-ro multipurpose vessel type for long-haul or deep-sea liner service, the G5 newbuild generation is being phased into trade between northern Europe and West Africa.

As a rare example of recent industry investment in what may otherwise be categorised as the con-ro concept, the Great Antwerp class constitutes a higher container-capacity, more environmentally-considerate evolution of the versatile G4 type dating from 2014/2015.

The 249m, geared and quarter-ramped Great Antwerp leads a series of six booked with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD), the last of which is due to be completed by the end of 2024, and which will strengthen the Naples-based owner’s standing as the world’s largest operator of con-ro tonnage.